THE POULTRY KEEPER

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 21 (Supplement)

THE POULTRY KEEPER

By "Moor-fowl."*

POULTRY DISEASES. The majority of the more seriou-; diseases from which fowls that are kent in confinement suffer arc clearlv traceable to serious impairment of the respiratory organs, which in the feathered trite perform the same arduous functions in 'ridding the system of waste mailer, 'through exhalation of the breath, that the skin and kidneys, accomplish for the average animal. This being so, the utmost care should ever be exercised in guarding against Lhe slightest chance of .infection, by keeping everything pertaining to the roosting quarters and exercising grounds perfectly free Iron, lhe merest suspicion of I'dlh or impurity of any kind. Aronsiderablc portion of lhe entire work of maintaining a bird in vigorous health devolves upon Lhe lungs, winch, when treated fairly, carry out their work in an admirable manner; but when overtaxed, as a result of neglect to supply a sufficiency of pure air or provide for absolute cleanliness of sleeping quarters, they speedily go wrong and, incidentally, lhe birds fall ill. The chief complaints, and at the same time the most virulent that the average poultry is called upon to deal with, ace roup, liver disease and consumption each of which owes its origin to defective respiration.. Roup to which may be assigned chief position by reason, of its excessive prevalence, is. in its earlier stages, amenable Lo successful treatment, providing thai a reliable remedy 'is resorted lo directly lhe symptoms are noted. But where the disease has marie docldd headway treatment i-annol, conscientiously be advised, not because, a cure is impossible, but because a bird having- the germs of this disease implanted in its system should never, under any pretext, be bred from. Catarrhal roup is merely the result of obstruction in the respiratory organs, caused through insufficient ventilation in the sloping quarters. A sharp line or demarcation should be drawn between this and the dipthcrellc stage wherein cheesy growths form inside the throat. The latter condition emphasises the necessity tor the prompt despatch snd deep burial of the bird, whereas lhe former phase of the trouble may be successfully and effectively treated, if taken in hand promcliy. The proper time to attempt a cure is when a bird is detected sneezing and runtr.g at the nostrils. It should be immediately isolated and placed in quarantine. One of the several advertised remedies should be given according to directions, and all matter removed from the nostrils twice a day by syringing- with peroxide of hydrogen or similar wash. The birds are, during the currency of Ihis complaint, best fed on soft mash, given warm, into which a littlt spice or tonic powder has been worked. On no account return -a fowl aparently cured, lo its original run until a week has elapsed fi'om the cessation of the oischarge. otherwise widespread contagion may result. For a similar reason, newly purchased birds should invariably be subjected to a week's isolation before being turned loose with the balance of Lhe Hock. The term "liver disease'' embraces an extremely wide category of organic irregularities, ranging from "go'ing light" to pronounced inflammation of the liver. This organ is frequently foiind studde dwith yellowish cheesy nodules cr tubercles, which some-

are occasionally transmitted to the embryo egg, which’thus produces a tuberculous chicken. The necessity of decapitating a hen far advanced in any stage -of contagious disease is fully apparent, where the perpetuation of robust health is aimed at. In I act, so dangerous are all the form of liver disease and consumption that one never hesitates to recommend any attempt at cure whatever.— -Poultry Bulletin, Sydney. JERSEY BLACK GIANTS. The Jersey bla-ek Giants were originated nearly 50 years ago by two brothers. John and Thomas Blues, now deceased, who lived near .Jobstown. New Jersey. The original cross consisted of Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. D luck years to get the birds to breed true to colour unci lo clinihKito leathers from the legs and establish yellow skin colour of the Java and Brahma. Tlie Black Giants have been bred for years in the southern. part of New Jersey, but only a few farmers kept them true to type, colour, etc., some using other lands of male birds, while still others introduced Dark Cornish blood.' No true Black Giants have any Cornish blood in them, as the latter variety was not introduced into America until afler the Giants were established. WHY BEGINNERS FAIL. Beginners 'in poultry keeping generally make the mistake of commencing on too large a scale, and sinking their small capital before returns are secured. They stiould remember that times extent right to the oviduct, ami it costs a lot ..of money to house and feed a large flock. It is better to start.in a small way with 0110 selected breed, and built up a liock that will have paid their way from the start. Greater interest, will be 'taken in a variety that Iho novice fancies and with interest and alien lion conies success.