Notes for the Poultry Farmer

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 68, Issue 2, 15 February 1944, Page 144

Notes for the Poultry Farmer

Poultry-Keeping As a Source of Income

By

F. C. BOBBY,

Superintendent of Poultry Husbandry, Wellington

(Continued.) THE choice of a district in which to establish a poultry-farm is influenced largely by personal factors. Individuals have various likes and dislikes in the matter of a’ district in which to settle, while family connections may be a deciding factor. Broadly speaking, there is no “best” district for poultry-keeping, although obviously. certain districts offer advantages over others. Two major factors have to be considered, namely, supplies of poultry foods must be readily available at economic prices, and there should be ah available market for all poultry commodities produced on the farm. This tends to suggest that the farm should be within easy distance of a city where poultry products are required, or, at least, near to a town giving good railway # or. port facilities for the transport of produce to consuming centres. Land values rise sharply near such consuming centres, but the prospective poultry-keeper will do well to consider

the increased costs of production and marketing on cheaper land away from these centres. The cost of transport on food to the farm and produce to the best market is a factor to be reckoned with, and must not be overlooked. : Thus, it will be found that much of the commercial poultry-farming is carried out in and around Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, while other successful poultry-keepers are found in widely distributed centres such as Hamilton, Wanganui, Hastings, Levin, Masterton, and Oamaru, ,to mention only a few. North or South Not infrequently, newcomers to the. industry, inquire whether there is any marked advantage as between the two Islands. There are successful commercial poultry-keepers in both Islands, and. it is not easy to give a definite answer in favour of either. Since far greater quantities of wheat are grown in the South Island, supplies of milling pollard and bran—are available at lower costs there, and, economically, it would seem sound' to select the South on this account; ■ Against this, however, must be set the fact that in the past surplus. supplies of eggs during. the season ■ of greatest production (spring).have been transported to the North Island or sent overseas, which has appreciably added to marketing costs, and thus reduced the net return for eggs at the farm. It is obvious that future developments in marketing will have a marked effect upon the success or otherwise of all poultry-keepers after the war, irrespective of district or experience. , Effect of Climate Not unreasonably, questions '. are asked regarding the effect of climate upon poultry, there being a. marked , difference in this respect as between, say, Auckland and Dunedin. . - This is a hard question to answer satisfactorily, and opinions will differ, considerably on this point, since it is difficult to get indisputable data to support any

comments made. There are, however, some indications suggesting that it is more difficult to maintain body size and constitution in poultry run in a warm, humid climate, such as is experienced in Auckland. Furthermore, it would appear, from information to hand, that the control of internal parasites worms, both round and tapeis more difficult in the North. These comments are based merely on general observations, and it is possible that climate may not be the primary factor involved. The health and constitution of any poultry flock depend to a great extent upon the ability of the individual poultrykeeper concerned, irrespective .of whether the farm is situated in the North or the South Island. Type of Land It is not necessary to select the best type of land for poultry. It is desirable, however, to choose well-drained soil and to avoid heavy wet land. Providing the soil will grow green food, and preferably hold a good sole of grass, light, well-drained soil is best. Even if poor, much improvement in the cropping of green food can be effected by the proper , use of poultry manure. Where a natural source of water is available, excellent results with green food crops may be achieved by the use of a small electric pump and a watering system during dry seasons. A level section of ground. is desirable, and where possible some protection by grown trees or hedges from the prevalent winds is of considerable advantage. Exposed sites on hilly ground are not to be recommended, even if such sections are low in cost per acre. Land cheap to purchase initially can become most expensive in the. long run when subsequent, cost of production is taken into account. Amount of Land As stated in a previous article on this subject, the amount of land required will depend considerably upon the system of poultry-keeping to be adopted. It has already been suggested that where it is intended that the birds be given outside runs not more than 250 birds should be run continuously to the acre. This figure may be increased to 350-400 for young growing birds on free range, if this land is used

only for fearing birds each year and is spelled in -between rearing seasons. Speaking generally,' it is a . sound policy to have a small surplus of land rather than to be' overcrowded ‘ or even to have the land stocked to full capacity all the time. This extra land allows for lighter stocking or more frequent resting of runs, which policy is an excellent insurance against outbreaks of ’ disease. Should the new poultry-keeper ' not desire to overburden himself with land at'the outset, it is a sound policy to ensure that an option can be obtained on adjoining land for future development.' . Planning a Farm There are so many different factors involved when planning a poultryfarm that only general guiding principles can be referred to here. Planning will be influenced by the system. of poultry-keeping adopted, whether intensive or semi-intensive, for instance; the configuration of the land itself; the main object of the farm; whether to produce commercial eggs, pedigree breeding stock, table poultry, etc.; , and many other factors. One important piece of advice can be given, however. Whatever type of farm is contemplated, let it be planned with full reference to its probable ultimate size and object. Too many poultry-farms just grow, and in consequence lack system and character. Careful initial planning need not necessarily involve additional capital expenditure, and may well save an appreciable sum of money over- a period of years by avoiding‘unnecessary expenditure of labour, to name only one possibility. Many old-established poultry-keepers have been heard. to remark, “I wish I could afford to reconstruct or layout my farm again.” This may be due to the fact. that modern methods and. equipment show marked economical' advantages, but all too often it is due to the individual poultry-keeper having failed to plan his farm in the first instance, maybe from lack of experience or through thoughtlessness. The newcomer to poultry-keeping can and should benefit from the experience of those who have gone before him, and., from modern methods now being made available. The novice has been warned to obtain adequate experience before starting out on his own farm. It is now recommended that he consult ' someone experienced in poultry-keeping before laying out his plant. Above all, start with a carefully throught-out plan? • ' ', - ’f. Established Farm . Buying an established poultry farm may have advantages where the pur-

chaser wishes to get into production quickly, particularly today when conditions are. unfavourable for - the easy purchase of’ building material and equipment. There are, however, pitfalls to be avoided, and there may be’ definite disadvantages even if these pitfalls are avoided. Perhaps the main danger to be avoided is the purchase of an established plant which has failed as the result of disease. It is therefore desirable to ascertain, if possible, the real reason why the previous owner is selling up, and to obtain a candid opinion of the stock on the farm' from an experienced person. Improvements and repairs to existent buildings can be effected comparatively easily, but the eradication of some serious disease and the improvement in health’ and constitution of a flock, of

birds may easily take several years, and ■ at an entirely unpredictable cost. Even if serious troubles of this nature .are not met with, the purchaser is bound within certain limits' to the ideas and planning of the previous owner. This may easily limit the ambitions and initiative of the newcomer. Careful thought is necessary before purchasing a going concern, and once again the newcomer is strongly advised to get the opinion of an experienced person, particularly if the latter is acquainted with the district and perhaps even with the history of the farm itself. (To be Continued.)