POULTRY NOTES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 144, 8 April 1940, Page 3

POULTRY NOTES

MANAGEMENT OF BREEDING HENS The bulk of I lie routine work of selection for breeding purposes for the ensuing breeding season will, or should be, completed by the end of March. The birds -which have been set aside for this purpose should be marked by leg bands, fov preference, in order that no mistakes may occur, and also that one mav know the particular ol the stock which from year to year may be in use as breeding stock.. In the writer's opinion, the ring used for ringing pigs (that is, the Hat ring, large size, with the points cut off) provides a cheap and very elTicient method of ringing stock for identification purposes. The choicest specimens of hens, if allowed to continue laying, will in many cases still be in profit. An effort should be made to encourage such stock to take a rest from production with a view to their moulting and thus securing a timelv rest before entering a further season of production and before their eggs, are required for incubation purposes. If good stock are tobe expected from these eg&s, a goon rest is essential to the birds in order that its full strength may Iv? available for transmission to the eggs. Feeding. It is somewhat difficult at times to procure a moult, but generally tlie desired moult will be seen red if the feed ration is widened by the addition of more bran to the masih and very little animal food is given, together with ample supplies of green material and a change of quarters (free range if possible). It is wise to pay more than ordinary attention to the feeding. In many cases -where poor results were secured from incubation, particularly in the early period of the breeding season, investigation frequently disclosed that it was due to the fact that the birds were allowed to become overfat and were therefore not in a fit condition for the breeding pen. In the feeding of breeding stock it is a good practice, in the majority of cases, to feed U bran to a /2 pollard by measure, with the addition of say 5 to 7 per cent animal food in the mash, at the same time paying attention to the feeding of a fairly light grain ration. The addition of good quality oats, say in the proportion of 1 of oats to -/j part of wheat and % of maize, will, if fed in conjunction with the above mash ration, have the desired effect of keeping the breeding stock in good fettle. To be in good breeding trim a bird needs to be in good condition without any suggestion of being overfat. Sufficient food should be given to maintain this condition* and this can be obtained by keeping the stock just 011 their toes for their food —in other words., keeping them slightly hungry rather than feeding them to the limit of their capacity.

Rest From Production. There is, of course, a great temp lation to encourage the breedia •stock back into profit as soon a: possible, particularly in view of t'-.i fact that in the early period of tin breeding season eggs are usuallj bringing good prices. It is mos unwise, however, to encourage an} practice which would prolong ih' egg cycle or unduly hasten the re' sumption of production. Every breeding bird should be 'given from 10 to 12 weeks' resl from production in order that il may recuperate and be in a good condition to produce hatehable ''gg' It is only by booking ahead md studying every factor likely to exercise a beneficial influence or otherwise that one is able to get th;. best out of one's stock., and thus secure practical and profitable results. After all, it is that which one puts into one's efforts by thought and work which brings success and ensures progress.