Poultry Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 249, 21 October 1936, Page 11

Poultry Notes

HOUSING OF YOUNG PULLETS There are far too mnay losses in the growth period of young stock, and these to a large extent are preventable by watching the housing room. The owner must realise that the chickens are growing daily, and though there might be a little noticeable increase to the attendant, who I sees them often each day, there is still that gradual development in size. Where a house might be comfortable in the numbers housed this week, it is quite possible to be overcrowded In a fortnight's time, and losses may occur from lack of space. When the pullets have been moved from the brooder house to their permanent quarters, do not put into the new house more young pullets than can be safely housed when they reach maturity. This means that the birds are never overcrowded at any stage and obviates the constant attention and removal of part of the quota—as is the case in houses filled to capacity in the early stages. The system or to a house in the initial rearing stages may seem waste of space, but it is “rearing wisdom.’’ It may also entail a few more houses, but seeing that it is proper growth of the young stock that means success in later laying years, the small extra capital in later laying years, the small extra capital outlay is justified. Where a small group is housed there is fess disease possibility, better growth and development, and less danger from “epidemic waves,” which so seriously attack crowded birds. Where stock have to be removed during growth they are very hard to settle down in another house if the new house is nearby, as the “homing” instinct is well implanted, and birds will make back, night after night. If such housing adjustments are made it is well to move the birds right on to a new section of the free range. More room in the growth stages means the rearing to maturity of more birds—and better birds, too. Milk For Growing Pullets

It is impossible to underestimate the value of milk to all growing stock. Ti the country, skim milk is usually available, and it should bo used tc dampen the mash. In the city it i: naturally more difficult to obtain s constant, supply of skim milk in its natural form, but it is possible to purchase buttermilk powder, the cost ol which is about threepence a pound. This powder can be easily mixed with cold water, an it is an excellent substitute for milk in its natural form. Not only is milk valuable for growing stock, but it is also a big help in the mash used for the laying flock. There Is quite a difference of opinion as to the age when chicks should be fed with dampened mash; personally I always keep the chickens on good quality chick food and dry mash until they are five weeks old, and then I gradually change over to the damp mash for the morning feed, but they still have the dry mash before them during the day. Whether the mash be fed dry or damp does not matter greatly, but in both cases milk should be Included In the mashes. In Ihe dry mash, the milk powder (about 6 per cent, to S per cent, by bulk) can be included. In the wet or damp mash the same quantify of milk powder mixed with water can be used for dampening. When using damp mash, always be careful that the mash is only damp and not wet or soggy. Mash, irrespective of its composition, is almost certain to cause trouble if it is feu too wet. A surprisingly small quantity of liquid is necessary to mix a good crumbly mash; the .secret Is really in the mixing. When the liquid is poured on to the dry mash, one Is apt after a little mixing to consider more liquid is necessary, but if a little longer time is pent in mixing the mash, it will usually come to the correct consistency without the addition of more liquid. In the past It was generally thought that milk was the cause of most ot the digestive troubles so frequently encountered in raising chickens, but this idea has proved to be largely Incorrect. In feeding dry mash,, it is a good plan to add to the mash a small quantity of powdered charcoal. Charcoal has very valuable qualities and it certainly keeps the chickens in good condition. Need for Ample Litter. With the increase of production the laying flock is getting well into its stride, and increased activity in the litter means that ample supplies must be kept up. It does not do to let the birds become stale, of the litter weak and impoverished at this period of the year. The aim is to get every hen busy, and keep her busy, for it is this type of bird that is the producer. Lazy hens become sluggish and over-fat at times, and are later in coming into profit. Exercise is vital to health, and there is no better way to get hens exercised every day than to see that they do their “daily dozen” in the litter. With the natural wakening to activity again, the birds appreciate fresh supplies of litter every now and then, for it adds interest. Simple Essentials in Feeding Mr. J. Hadlington, who Is recognised as an authority in Australia and eleswhere, stresses facts which have often been referred to in these notes. He says: “It is not perhaps realised by the average poultry-keeper who is attempting to absorb all the new knowledge now available on the feeding of poultry that if he is feeding, «ay, wheat, maize, bran and pollard