POULTRY NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1934, Page 20 (Supplement)

POULTRY NOTES

SUMMER FEEDING HINTS THE VALUE OF GREEN FOODS. In a general way the poultrykeeper will not want to reduce his rations in summer as compared with winter feeding except as the fowls themselves voluntarily do so. In other words, the birds should have practically all they want to eat. As they naturally require less, however, if the feeding is gauged by their appetites there will be no danger of overfeeding. The chief things to keep in mind are to avoid fattening foods, provide an abundance of green food, and for fowls in confinement a reasonable amount of compulsory exercise. Fowls that have an opportunity to choose their own ration will make decided changes in their rations at different seasons of the year. What they will do in confinement with a limited range of choice is not an exact indication of their natural requirements, but it should afford a clue to the changes that should be made in the regular rations.

Some years ago I conducted a number of long-term experiments with fowls confined in separate small pens and supplied with hoppers containing the various common poultry feeds, to which the fowls were given access at all times, thus enabling them to balance their own rations. The average weekly consumption of the different feeds in periods oi four weeks showed how the birds varied their diet from month to month. From August 25 to February 8 the consumption of maize dropped off decidedly as warm weather came on, though the change in feed consumption and in weight was less than might be expected. The average poultrykeeper has comparatively little opportunity for adjust* ing rations to seasonal requirements, since choice in feeds is limited. Maize, oats, wheat and a simple dry mash form the standard ration in most sections of the Dominion, and except in localities where other grains are extensively grown it is not practical to go much beyond there in selecting feeds for fowls. Manufacturers of commercial ready-mixed feeds naturally have a much better opportunity to provide variety in the ration than does the individual poultry-keeper, for which reason such feeds are especially desirable for summer use. It is always wise to reduce consumption as warm weather comes on, but oats may be fed as freely as the fowls will eat them. As a matter of fact the nutritive elements in oats do not differ materially from those in maize aside from their high percentage of crude fibre, the practical effect of substituting oats for maize being to satisfy the appetite of the fowl without supplying food of a heating nature. It is necessary to bo careful about giving an excess of fibre, however, no matter in what form it is supplied. Where this is done production is reduced and the health of the birds is often seriously affected. The Injurious effects of excess fibre are apparently much reduced where oats are soaked, boiled or sprouted before feeding. An abundance of green feed in the summer is highly desirable, not only because it is an economical source of feed when rightly handled but also because it has a direct beneficial effect upon the digestion of fowls. Birds on open rance in the summer frequently suffer from a lack of succulent green food, for as warm weather comes on ordinary vegetation becomes tough and woody, in which condition it is not palatable to the fowls and is practically indigestible.

The fowls’ need for water is particularly great in hot weather. It assists not only in the maintenance of ordinary physiological functions, but also helps to keep the fowl cooL It is important, obviously, to have it as cool as possible and, since fowls appear to be rather indifferent in regard to the source of supply, particular attention should be given to drainage or filling in low places where water is likely to stand after a rain, so that they will have to drink at the regularly provided watering places, which should be located in the shade. Various bacterial forms, some of which are injurious to fowls, grow rapidly in water in hot weather. Therefore all vessels should be washed once a day so that the water will keep pure and clean. Sour milk is one of the best fowl, foods that the poultrykeeper can supply in hot weather, not only Because it is highly digestible and nutritious but also because it has a cooling effect and contributes greatly to the health and wellbeing of the birds. DO NOT OVERCROWD. Do not overcrowd. The chicken house which was ample for young stock when they were a few weeks old is possibly too small for them now. I know of no more certain cause for stunted, sickly chickens than overcrowding. It is only a matter of common sense. You know the value of human beings breathing pure air to aid development. It is exactly the same wtih a growing chicken. It is a remarkable fact that annually during November and December there is more roup than at other more inclement seasons of the year. And I have definitely traced it to overcrowding and breathing impure air throughout the night. The system is lowered, vitality is weakened and the youngsters become victims to any disease germs that are about. Ducks, like pigs, are not dirty creatures by nature but often are so through the neglect of their owners. It is necessary to see that ducks have a plentiful supply of green food. White Butterfly in South. The white butterfly, which has caused such havoc with the crops in the north, has made its appearance in the Riverton district, remarks a correspondent of the Southland Times. Dr. N. G. Trotter was called to a resident at the Rocks, an insect having entered the man’s ear. Upon its removal it was, found to be a white butterfly. The doctor, who is well versed in entomology, says it is of the same species as those in the north. The presence of the pest in the south will cause some concern to farmers and horticulturists.