POULTRY NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 18589, 30 May 1935, Page 12

POULTRY NOTES.

SELECTION OF LAYERS. It was the Americans who first introduced the trap nest as a means of selecting the best layers and later of producing pedigree stud! stock. Several New Zealand breeders Quickly realised the advantages of trap-nest-ing as an aid in any breeding programme, and whilst very few trap-nest • all the year round many make use of this means of obtaining a winter record from their young stock. It has been shown that pullets with a high winter sequence usually establish good full-year records. When testing a pen of pullets it will be found that some lay sequences of - live to about a dozen eggs and then miss a day before starting another long sequence, whilst others will lay one or two 'eggs after each day’s rest. The latter birds seldom reach much speed of laying, and their full year’s total will not come up to the standard required for breeding stock. Many types of trap nests and trap-, fronts are available, but that designed about ten years ago by an American is easily thq best. It is now commonly known as the sure-trip trap, and Is a sliding or bulging door made in two panels. The chief advantage of this type of trap is that there is nu direct lift, but the hen when entering lifts the dOor back with her so that it unfolds and drops quietly behind .her., The trap is easily fitted to most nests, and is not difficult to make, although many,poullrymen prefer to purchase supplies rather than have inferior traps- It is most desirable that all traps work easily and are strong enough to stand normal use without damage. Once accustomed to Laying in a. trap-nest a hen will always prefer it to the open nest, as it provides that privacy always sought by the laying fowl. Plenty of nests must be provided in order to avoid the necessity of too frequent visits to sheds to release those birds that have laid, and it is a good plan to release at once every bird that shows any sign of wanting to leave. GENERAL NOTES. Whilst the supply of green feed exists a plentiful allowance should be made, especially to intensively housed fowls. Lack of greens results in palecoloured yolks and will often lead to disease. Poultry judges in the North Island have been instructed to sign a statement that they will judge according to the new standards, and any judge refusing to sign may be removed from the judges’ list. The championships for Black Orpingtons are being competed for at the Feilding fanciers’ show this year. Just why two such important championships should bo given to a new club is difficult to understand. This show will be held on May ‘23 and 24. Messrs Purton and Bruce are judging. Laying fowls appreciate plenty of shelter from cold winds. The ground should be prepared for hedge plants any limo now. Poplar cuttings grow very quickly, whilst llax plants arc cheap to produce and make an excellent windbreak. ; Onc of the best hedge plants for small inside hedges, is the large-leafed privet. It is a rank feeder, and so helps to sweeten the ground, and grows quickly. -Some poultrymen prefer to use old sheets of rootling Iron around the runs, owing to the labour of trimming hedges. The amount of maize fed can be increased now that the birds require more fattening foods- Yellow maize is richer in vitamins than white maize. Artichokes are keenly appreciated by fowls, who will scratch up the roots If they are ..lightly exposed with a spade. In addition, the plants make, ideal summer shelter. Plant in the early spring. Routine work on a poultry plant should be done to a time-table as much as possible.. Methodical management makes the work easier and saves lime. Try to have all appliances uniform. When passing Ihrough a dozen doors and ;,"tes twice a day it is j annoying lo have to work a dozen different kinds of door catches. ‘■neak’ear at a poultry meeting recently. Mr V- €. llaikes, one of the ’largest commercial egg producers ■ in New Zealand, stressed the value of “keeping an eye on your neighbour.” In other words, periodical visits to larger poultry farms will introduce new Ideas and c::murage improvements.