Poultry Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 118, 21 May 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

Poultry Notes

mating and breeding. An enormous amount of literature ms >cen \vritten on the above subject, especially is this true on the selection ot the breeding stock. It is very important to remember at the commencement that lt ls never advisable to breed from the farm stock in a gsroral haphazard way, as this will outv court disaster in tho long run, ano thus bring the blame to bear on the birds 'localise of their unproductiveness, etc., which should really lie at our own door. , As trapnesting is not practicable for tne average general fanner, he should wisely adhere to what is known as the three ring method of selection.** Poke any three winter months, and ht, the end of each month handle and mark With coloured. rings those in lav caea month, i.c.. red ring to denote -lay laying; white ring to denote Juuu laying, and blue ring to denote. Ju.y laying. By this means the winter layers can be singled out. and will be amongst the best layers. Those should bo the birds selected for the breeding pen on tho strength of therr 'aying qualities. If no other factors disqualify them for inclusion in the pens, selection for breeding should be from these birds, the three rings being regarded as better than those with only two. A bird's record as a laver is not sufficient. on its own to justify her inclusion in the pen. Birds intended for the breeding pen should be in addition true to type, and of the acstandard for the particular breed. Good health is of vital importatreo and it is never advisable to breed from a hen that is the survivor of diseases, such as bacillary white diarrhoea, and oeeidessis, o tc„ or one that has been sickle and Jacking in vigour during tier pul.et year. Hirds with crooked breasts, roach backs and wrv tabs should be eliminated altogether from the pens. Mating. The number of females to mate to each male depends upon certain ja..tors, such ns breed, season, environment ext ent of range, whether conhHed in a pen or out on free range. I Generally speaking, good fertility will result if one male is allowed for‘evensix females for the heaviest type or breeds, i.e. Indian Game, Orpington.l0 ~ 15 for rhe Wyandotte, Khode Island, red types-, one for 15— 20 for the Leghorn, An’eona types. These numbers can be greatly increased if the birds are out on free range. Importance of the Male Bird. The importance of the male bird should not bo overlooked, as there plenty of evidence available of his Influence in the pen in transmitting fecundity. He should possess an abundance of vigour and spirit, nlwiv--chattering with its mates. Tho slzshould be medium for tho breed, ami extremes should be avoided. Systems of Mating. There are four possible system,' mating. This is mentioned chiefh as many have the idea that pullets shou'd be mated to older males. The four systems are:—Cockerels may be mated to hens, do. to pullets; cocks may be mated to hens, do. to pullets. Causes of Infertility. There are many factors concerned n. this all important question. After ;i moult a hen is liable to get too iht. and precaution should be taken ngalnsr an over fat h t pio * Ince fertile eggs. Under or over ma ing will affect fertility. Colds. bo->. lice, cold winds will be followed i>high proportion of unfertile eggs. Loa vitality and the condition of the st'-ck also affect fertility. Inbreeding *m.| lino breeding aso play an import an* part, and ‘ its practice should i avoided, as it is always followed tlow fertility, poor hatehabilitv and also poor rearability. GENERAL NOTES. The vices of feather-pulling m d eating are always more cominor. :;i ivcr-crowded flocks than in quart ri** where there is plenty of space for the fowls to exorcise. Double-yolked eggs result from < \> feeding or a diseased ovary, nn . s do badly-shaped eggs—those that h:< round and have heavy ridges. | Soft-shelled eggs are usually dm -•» fatness or over-stimulation, and i.oi muvh to the lack of grit or sac’i amany believe. If you use milk in any form. • to use dean vessels. If straw or hay is used fui iit . • be sure that it is dry, clean and Musty or mouldy litter, ct uae v. i filthy litter, is sure to cause troeb* I Contrary to popular opinion, there is no trouble from overeating if masn us kept before the chicks aUall tine.-. | It is only when chickens are allowen to become hungrv that thev will 1 'nt