POULTRY KEEPING FOR PROFIT
THE GROWING RATION (By “LEGHORN.”) The most critical period in the growing or rearing of chickens comes before they are six weeks old, and it is very easy to make the mistake of letting the pullets more or less shift for themselves after they arc well started. While it is perfectly true that a •great deal more attention must be given to the younger chicks that are still in need of heat, there arc at the same time many points that must be given careful consideration throughout the growing period, that is, up until the pullets are six months old, at least, if the financial record of the pullet rearing operation is to show a satisfactory profit. There is no more important factor in the situation than what and how to feed. It has taken many years to learn what is known in the way of specific principles that underlie successful feeding. There is. however, still much to. be learned, but in the meantime it will pay well to plan the feeding operations so as to take full advantage of the facts that have been established.
It is not so many years ago that the common recommendation was to start chicks on grain only, and very limited quantities at that, and adding mash to the ration only after the chicks were from a week to 10 days old. This system of feeding did avoid some of the troubles that frequently attended the starting of chicks on full mash feeding. But the important thing that is well understood now. but what was not apparent then, is that the difficulties were only indirectly caused by the high level of mash feeding. Complete Ration Needed
Chickens cannot make efficient use of a high protein ration unless it is also complete in all other respects. Environmental conditions must likewise be favourable. When these other conditions are not properly met, better results will be obtained by limited feeding on low protein rations, that is to say, if by better chicks is meant more uniform growth, morg activity, and relatively low mortality. All of this will bo secured, however, at a decided sacrifice in rate and economy of growth. In these enlightened days, commercial poultrymen feed dry mash to their chickens right from the first feed, and there is no doubt that a well-balanced dry mash will promote rapid growth. There are several wellknown brands of starter mash on the market, and if the number of chickens to be raised is few, it is, I think, better to purchase a good brand of ready mixed mash fiian to have the trouble of mixing one’s own. Dry mash should be constantly before the chickens until they have reached four months of age. It is not difficult to construct a simple mash hopper which will hold sufficient mash to last the pen for two days. The hopper -should be refilled each morning, and one then has the satisfaction of knowing that the birds always have a reserve of mash in the hopper. When dry mash is used, chicken grain should also be fed, but do not make the mistake of feeding more chick grain than the birds will eagerly consume. Watch the water supply, because with dry mash feeding the chickens drink remarkable quantises of water. Water is cheap, but an ample supply is essential. See trial the water container is shaded from the sun, because with the coming of warmer weather the danger of k epid water causing scouring should be avoided. , , , All chickens need green food, and this, like water, is cheap. Well-fed and well-housed chickens are a treat to rear, and by /attending to their simple feeding needs, chicken-reann o can be both profitable and pleasureable,
Overheating Chickens
I referred last week- to the danger of having the temperature under the brooders too high, and since emphasising this point I have observed two pens of brooder chickens which obviously have been overheated. Chickens which have been .overheated are hardly worth feeding, because if the check has been sev are the chances are they will not develop into good, strong, profitable hiros. Another of the chief causesofmortalitv in young chicks is the result ol overcrowding. Chickens cannot sweat, as they have no sweat glands in the skin therefore the impurities and moisture must be crowded out through ?£e breathing. If the chickens are overcrowded, and there, w n “ ficient ventilation in their night <juar ters the air becomes filled with imnurities and laden ■ with • moisture. cOTnmonly called nlaces an unusual sjram on tne sys tern of the bird in many ways,. more especially upon the Kidneys, which results in a weakened system. If tne chickens come from the brooder in the mornfng weak and tottering and with ■no bop elite, this accounts tor much, at the lack ol vitality which is found m mapy batches of chicks.
The Danger of Worms There is really no excuse to-day for worm infestation to worry any poultry farm, with the many and popular remedies bn. the market Birds cannot grow, or cannot produce, if they have these internal parasites gnawing at their vitals day and , night. But do not imagine that because a flock was treated a year ago it is still free. Poultry are' always liable to attack, therefore the use of a regular treatment—preferably in the mash—is advisable.
Danger Period
The early stages of spring, are always regarded as the most dangerous' period of the year. Outward indications may be birds that stand hunchedup or that look unthrifty, ragged plumage or pale combs and wattles. An examination of the droppings will generally show visible signs, or, if in doubt, kill a bird, and examine the intestines. The best way is to slit the intestines the full length, so as to make sure of the extent of the worms. Where they are found, lose no time in adopting the remedy that is personally favoured. ' ; It is as well to place birds on wire, if possible, during spasmodic or interval treatment, or if that is not possible, spread lime thickly under the perches. For the sake of safety, burn all droppings until the invasion is cleared up, as it is proved that worm eggs live for long periods and may spread reinfection. Litter should all be burnt when the trouble is cleared up. Worms reduce the vitality and allow disease germs and microbes to secure a stranglehold on poultry. It is certain that many outbreaks of disease only attained large proportions because of the owner’s neglect to keep the birds worm free. They have been truly classed as the poultryman’s greatest enemy.
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Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 16
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1,107POULTRY KEEPING FOR PROFIT Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 16
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