POULTRY NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19565, 2 May 1935, Page 11

POULTRY NOTES.

LATE PULLETS. Pullets that have not yet come into full egg production should toe pushed along with the addition of an extra •share of meatmeal- in their mash. Late pullets are seldom of much value as prospective breeding stock, as they seldom attain good enough 'body size, but often they will commence laying this month and continue steadily right through the late autumn and winter without a break, whereas ‘the earlier pullets will perhaps take a spell. Those smaller pullets from the early •batches arc toest disposed of. Often they are runts that will never grow and if kept much longer they will be confused with the later hatches. The long dry summer caused a shortage of green food, so that care must be taken to avoid outbreaks of roup and chicken-pox, which appears more common than usual this year. There Is nothing better than a weekly feeding of chopped-up onions, hut they must toe finely minced and fed raw—rather an unpleasant job for a large number. Advanced cases of roup are most difficult to cure, and when flocks are badly attacked the cause must be sought. There Is a growing belief, backed by scientific investigation, that intestinal worms are responsible for many cases of lowered vitality, and professional advice should be sought if serious losses result. Chicken-pox is liable to too worse when many mosquitoes arc about, as they quickly spread infeclion from one bird to another. Epsom sails will help lo keep the blood cool, and weekly doses will keep disease infeclion at a ■minimum. Prevent the moulting: hens from sleeping in ihe nests by closing up earlier, and si ill keep a watch for red mile and body lice.