IN THE POULTRY YARD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18820, 7 March 1931, Page 10 (Supplement)

IN THE POULTRY YARD

HEAD-SHAKING HENS. Headshaking is sometimes due to a catarrhal condition of the nostrils, which will be shown by a little watery fluid on them; or else they are blocked up with dust sticking to the discharge. Another possible cause is something in the birds’ ears, which might be dust. If the nasal cavities are blocked up with dust, it is necessary to bathe them and remove the blockage, and inject a little bicarbonate of soda and water into the nostrils to clean them out, and with a pountain pen filler inject in a little oil, a mixture of loz. olive oil, in which is 10 drops of oil of eucalyptus. Sometimes head shaking seems to be merely a bad habit, and if the birds are laying well there is little need to worry about it much as long as they are perfectly free from Insects. GENERAL NOTES. An experienced breeder gives the following points in favour of fine sawdust as a litter: First, the cleanly, resinous smell of turpentine it gives off is beneficial to the chick’s general health; secondly, pine sawdust remains sweets for some time (I give it a week), absorbing the ammonia from the manure, and never allowing the droppings to stick to the coop or brooder bottoms; thirdly, its is inexpensive; fourthly, it is easy to sweep out when used up and there is no dust or smell to rise and choke the cleaner as in the case of some litter. I even use sawdust in my breeding pens. The breeder adds that it has been his experience that chick’s peck at and eat the particles of wood.

Linseed meal in limited quantities Is a good feed; it is rich in protein and mineral elements, and has a slightly laxative effect. It is of especial value as a tonic for fowls in poor 'Condition, will give a gloss to the feathers, and is a good preventive of ovarain trouble. Its use is particularly beneficial during the moulting Reason, and for growing chicks, as they are continually renewing their feathers. At least 2 per cent., or up to 5 per cent, can be added daily to the mash with advantage. Pullets should not be allowed to run with hens until they are six months old, and then only on practically free range. When younger pullets are not strong enough to take their own part at feeding time, when most bullying occurs, they will, in consequence, stop laying. Watch for the tell-tale deposits of grey and white, resembling lime dust or flour dust, which accumulate along

' cracks or crevices and in roosts. They j mean that mites are present. These I pests remain pretty well under cover j during the day, but come out at night i to suck blood from the hens. There 1 are a number of preparations which 1 may be painted on the roosts and on ' hiding places which will prevent the appearance of these parasites for several months. | Ordinary mutton fat, or dripping, j free from salt, is well known as a cure j for scaly leg if applied several times ' and on each occasion rubbed in lightly i with a bit of soft rag. Place enough mutton dripping to about half fill an empty jam tin on the stove to melt, and whilst hot add about three tablespoons of kerosene, then mix well. When coldvyou have a good ointment for anointing and polishing the legs ! of fowls liable to become dry, bleached or scaly. The ointment is always ready for use. j Many people are of the opinion that » chicks ought to be able to digest hard grain like the hen, but this, according to an experienced breeder, is the greatest mistake made in present-day rearng operation. When the hen is scratching and providing food for her brood, the chicks only obtain the small softened wild seeds that have laid covered all winter, together with the small insects and worms uprooted in the process. Poultrymen should learn a great lesson from this natural provision and the instinct of the broody hen. There is no room for slipshod methods in dealing with poultry matters. As a matter of fact quite the reverse must be the order of things, otherwise there is every reason to expect disease, trouble, and poor results so far as eggs are concerned. Whether the reader is a poultry-keeper for profit or purely as a hobby, there must be concentration and interest taken in the birds, otherwise there will be little or no success to be claimed when the time of reckoning takes place. Sitting hens only require one feed I per day, consisting of equal parts of * wheat and maize, which is sustaining to them till the next day. Should maize cause a slight looseness of the stead. Green food is not required, bowels, barley should be given inbut grit and clean water to drink should be supplied in plenty, close to hand. Regularity ui the hour of feeding (preferably in the evening) is an important factor in keeping them contented. Every day the bird should exercise for twenty minutes to half an hour, according to the weather.