Poultry Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 107, 7 May 1936, Page 5

Poultry Notes

culling for pullets j■— . I I It is necessary, if maximum results are to be obtained from the flock, 10l ' keep a watchful eye on the pullet.*, so , I that birds which are backward, deformed or suffering from other undesirable characteristics, may be culled, i The pullets bred for winter produc- j tion are really being asked to lay at au unnatural period. This being the rase, it has the effect of showing up the weak birds in the pullet flock, ami as profitable poultrykeeping demands the removal of culls, do not, hesitate to remove the drones. Alter months of feeding it is hard to make up one’s mind to dispose of the slow de\eloping pullets, but if good returns are the objective of the poultrykeeper, there is no room for sentiment. There are, of course, backward birds in every flock; if they are few they are not worth keeping. If a large percei. tage of birds seem slow in coming int" production, it is wise, to place them in a house by themselves, where ih-- ’ will have a better chance, ot com’ii'j, to maturity quickly. The forward birds invariably worry the late '••'<«. with lhe result that many of the latter get insufficient food. Grain for Pullets. It is almost imposible to procure anv of last season’s wheat, so it is necesary to exercise great caie in the) quality of the grain. The quality of i wheat available for poultry feeding this year calls for great care when feeding. Many opinions have been expressed upon the quality of the wheat suitable for feeding purposes, but the greatest point to look for is the hardness of the grain. Soft swollen grain or grain that is affected by mould is definitely unsuitable for laying pullets. Provided the, wheat is hard and bright good results, can be anticipate*’. The Winter Months The last week or so there have been hints of cold, wintry days. ’There is one thing which often results from the cold weather, and that is that many , poultry farmers think they can pack / another 20 or 30 birds into a house. I This is done every winter by some, | and when roup and colds begin they discover their mistake- The birds certainly perch closer together, and leave empty places on lhe perches, but this does not mean that more birds in the house would keep them warmer. On the other hand, the breathing of a large number of birds causes a dampness in the air, and thereby actually results in lhe birds being colder. It is surprising how damp the air becomes in a fowl house at night, and | rhi, dampness must be disposed of. At . this rime of rhe y«ar the litter is likely to hold more moisture than it. should, but whnn the moisture from the birds

themselves is adder! iherp is a double I danger to face,. I In the winter everything should b« I done to keep the houses dry; if they are built of iron they should not be I allowed lo sweat. It is a difficult I matter Io prevent, the roof sweating, I but much can be done by ventilation, j When a current of air is passing over the surface of the, iron it. will not. I sweat. Therefore, prevention means i correct ventilation without causing I draughts to harm the birds. In summer one can take chances, but in winter nothing must he left to chance. The litter should be frequently raked ami loosened, but. when it i.« broken, dirty, and short, take it out. and replace, it with fresh, clean litter. Do not forget that birds can stand quite a lot. of cold more than we can —but it most be drv cold; ‘he slightest moisture content in the cold air means colds and roup. Ring the Early Layers If the, pullets are in full laying rnndilion about the middle, of Alay, it is a fairly reliable indication of an inherited capacity for good egg yields. Some of these will be potential breed ers if stamina and good conditions prevail. Breeding from pullets is condemned for quite a number of good reasons, and, therefore, vitality must be *h’' first consideration, even when the egg yield is good. In fact, we, migni >afelv say that pullet breeding in the past has been one, of the main causes of the present day poor stock. Be wary, because there, is danger ahead if proper care is not. taken- If pullets are ! to be bred from, select them carefully. I From now on the pullets, where no testing equipment is- in use, should be carefullv watched, and anv birds which show the slightest trace of con stitutional weakness should be ringed with a definite colour band, which cannot possibly be mistaken, and under no circumstances should these, birds be used. One who is quite familiar with the birds should be able to choose those which have been laying regularly for the last two months. Therefore, those birds with characteristics denoting laying ability during this time of the year should b‘‘ watched. The yellow pigment in Leg horns will have disappeared by now from the, shanks, skin, eye ring, and b- k. the skin will be soft and pliable, land the pelvic, bones soft and well I spread. Wattles and comb will be n • full bright red colour, and all other characters denoting good laying should be just as apparent. Only those pullets whir? will be nearly* a year old at penning time should be picked. No matter what the age ami production, body size, must be fully maintained. The body must be deep, broad, and long. Only I such birds can produce and live for any length .of time. To put. pullets which have not the essential qualificaI tions in the breeding pen is courting disaster. Disease and all the ills with which a. poultry farmer has to contend will soon follow. Any mistakes, risks, or chances taken will revert back on the profits of a farm, so play for safety every time, and if there is the slightest doubt about a bird, nn no account put it in with the breeders.