THE POULTRY MUSHY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1067, 4 March 1911, Page 14

THE POULTRY MUSHY.

> (By Chantecler.)

EGG-LAY INQ COMPETITION. (By Telegraph— Special Correspondent.! Christchurch, March 3. Tlio return for the week has dropped tt 1053. Uangiuru, with 34, has attained second position. Sail (31) maintains his splendid lead; Browne, 31. The aggregates:—Sail, 1377; Rangiuru, 1347; Bradford, 1339; Knight, 1334; Balch, 1330; Hawke, 1309. Grand total, 60,854. Ducks appear to be absolutely defiant. Tlio figures are: —Lucy, 21; Knight, 8. Aggregates:—Knight, 1078, • 974; Hammond, 950. Tho Export of Eggs. While I express the opinion that an export trade in table poultry is quite unnecessary, at the present time, it is nevertheless evident that an export trade in eggs would have a beneficial effect on the poultry industry. From the interview published in Tiie Dominion' last week, with Mr. Gardiner, of Glasgow, it is plain enough the 'demand for eggs in tho United Kingdom is very large. The supply from the Continent is being competed for largely by Germany, which imports so as to export. It seems remarkable that Germany can purchase eggs ( from other countries, and treat them, and then ship them in to our own market cheaper than we t can produce them. The English market is certainly an opening for our eggs at payable prices. Recently a report of shipments made to London was made in this column, and it. is pleasing to note that London agents are very anxious to get New Zealand eggs. Experimental work has to be done, and it is almost .certain that, a profitable business can be brought about. The writer understands that shippers this season have been so much encouraged that, next year, large consignments will bo sent.

Import of Eggs. At first sight it seems poor 'business method to endeavour to work up an export trade, and, at the same time, allow eggs to bo imported into New Zealand to tlio value of thousands of pounds each year. It is enough to stir poultry men to activity. Perhaps, however, there is not so much room for alarm as 0110 would tliiuk, and the deputation which waited on.the Minister for Agriculture for the purpose of getting an increased duty placed on eggs, and prohibiting tlieir import into New Zealand, would not bo surprised on receiving an unfavourable answer to their request. The class of egg that is imported no doubt affects tho summer trade. Tho demand for eggs for preserving is not so and, consequently, we have a difficulty in disposing of them. It is not likely that confectioners will pay lOd. a dozen for eggs, go to tho trouble of preserving, and stand out of their .money for six months, if' tho imported article serves their purpose, at a cost of 9d. a dozen, as they require thqjn." Still, the class of trade which these eggs is used for will always force a demand for them, and poultrymen will have a stubborn fight to get rid of them. Tho only alternative is to work up an export trado with a view to obtain higher prices than are to be obtained in New Zealand in tho summer months.

Mixed Eggs. Now' thatljthV!®idrkfftJ 'i'SVliardenihg' j for fresh eggs, the public will 110 doubt, s be victimised by having preserved eggs 1 pushed upon them. Tho practice of mixing eggs while prices aro high is 'I of many years' standing. Thei'o are' many merchants who prescrvo eggs V solely for this purpose. They usually mix half fresh and half preserved j eggs, and sell at the fresh egg price. Tho practice is a most unfair one. By j buying a stamped egg the danger is avoided. .There are some storekeepers „I who claim that, it docs not mako any 5 difference, and they do not liko tp see '} the eggs stamped. Tho writer has & noticed their opinions expressed in T print, but, to anyone in the know, their j reasons nro obvious enough. Stamping Eggs. . 1 1 There is no doubt that producers do J not give the matter of marketing their i eggs sufficient attention. A glanco at eggs in some of the merchants' windows j makes one wonder how the public are content to purchase such quality, j Tho writer stood before a window the ( other day whero there were about ten .1 dozen eggs exposed for sale. They were i jumbled up in a box; all sizes, shells stained with rain and other 'matter, s and tho sight of them almost made ' ono sick. Yet this is .the very quality of tho eggs which find their way into- ■ a great many homes. Producers should put ' most scrupulous care to the ] marketing of eggs, 'and see that each ! ono is carefully stamped. No honest producer will ever bo ashamed of liis • name being on the shell. In fact, if 1 ho is.up to his business he will prido : himself on their quality—and obtain a better price for his trouble. Tho Egg Circle Movement. According to southern papers the eggcircle movement is spreading in Duncdin : and Christchurch. During. ,the week Mr. T. H. lluthcrfurd (Masterton) lias been addressing poultrymen at Christchurch, Duncdin, and Mosgiel. Thero were excellent attendances, and the circle system will shortly bo in operation in these towns. The value of tho egg circle is well demonstrated by tlio results achieved at Masterton, and tho following aro particulars circulated by tho Masterton secretary among poultrymen: —"2-18,736, or 20,728 dozen, represents tho number of eggs dispatched by the Wairarapa Egg Circlo to its agent in Wellington from May 10, 1910, to January 31, 1911, for which the sum of £1099 ss. Gd. was received. Now, had these eggs been disposed of locally, they would have realised only £787 19s. 10d., assuming that the same prices would have been given. But this is whero the main point about the beunlit of the circlo comes in, as it needs little argument to,state that, instead of the local average price being 9d. per dozen, it would more than likely liavo been Od. had there been 110 Egg Circle. To put it another-way—and this is what you want to take particular notico of -.—The circlo average gross price per doz., Is. OJd.; less commission,.freight, and cartage, per doz, ljd.; circle average net price per doz.; lljd.; local averago price per doz., 9c!.: leaving a 'difference in favour of the circlo of 2',d. per doz., amounting to £194 Gs. 6d. for 20,728 dozen eggs. Think hard, and consider whether you can afford to lose the benefit tho circle offers. The second year comtnenced on the Ist inst., so make up your mind and join at once, whilst tho circlo is at tho present time netting 3Jd. per dozen clear of expenses over local prices, and then thore is the concession on your feed bill to bo considered." The conference Report. The report of the poultry conference, held at Wellington, has made its appearance. It is an excellent booklet of fifty pages. There aro several illustrations showing tho typo of laying fowl, - the delegates, and tho garden party at Mr. Knight's, Lower Hntt. The papers are an education. They aro .well written, and show that, among poultrymen, there are men of considerable ability. It would be difficult to select any one paper as better than the rest, hut it is difficult to refrain from stating that the contributions of Mr. F. Brown are a credit to him. Hisj&Ders on UTho

Selection of the Layers," and "Fattening for Market" aro splendid ones. The boo-; is well worth a shilling, but the association has decided to distribute it free to poultrymen. Any of our readers may sceure a copy by writing to tho office of The Dominion. The Egg-Laying Competition. Keen interest is being shown in the egg-laying test, and the ■ returns telegraphed to these columns aro eagerly looked for 011 Saturdays. The great surprise of tile test last week was tho sudden drop of Mrs. Hawke's pen. This fine pen laid on an average thirty eggs a week.for several months, and their sudden drop came as a surprise. Sail's pen is a marvel, and tho admiration of every poultry enthusiast in Australasia. Bradford's pen is of excellent quality, and both pens appear as if they will win the money. It is too early yet to pronounce tho whining pen, but the struggle for second place will be very keen. One expects to see Mr. Knight's pen finish well. They look fit, and will, one is sure, achieve great results. The Rangiuru pen give the appearance of being the most businesslike birds in the test. One is afraid of a moult, but they are struggling bravely. Balch's pen seem indifferent,, and will have to brighten up to be in tho prize money. Australians aro watching the test with keen enthusiasm, and their .poultry papers contain full reports of tho. returns. As the test has still another month to go, tho writer will give a full report of the test each week. A special report will be telegraphed on the evening that the test closes, so tliat readers may be among the first-to know the results 011 April 1. A Pedigree Sale. At the conclusion of tho test there . will bo an auction sale of several of tho pens in the competition. Among tho birds for sale will be several of the leading jjens. The sale will afford an excellent opportunity for securing the best stock in New Zealand. It will 110 doubt be largely attended, as the club is only: making a charge of one shilling entrance.' 'Further particulars will bo given later. A Correction. In a previous note it was stated that Mr. Bradford's pen were bred from Sail's stock. This is not correct. Mr. Bradford purchased from Mr. Sail tho parents of these birds, but it is understood that these came from two Australian breeders. N.Z. UTILITY POULTRY CLUB. SIXTH EGG-LAYING COMPETITION. MAT 1, 1910, TO MARCH 31, 1911. FORTY-THIRD WEEK. Official report for week ending February, 23;— . ' Last Total frock's to Tl. date. W. O. Sail (Cust), No. 1 W.L. 32 1316 G. If. Bradford (Cust), W.L.... 33 1311 Ransiuru Em Ranch (Otaki), W.L. .'. .' 31 1313 AV. Knight (Ilutt), AY.L 28 1310 AW Balch (Belfast), AV.L 25 130 D Mrs. R. AV. Ilsiwke (rapauui)

AV.L 15 1294 A. Smith (Sydenham), AV.L. ... 23 1288 t Mrs, J. Mi',ls.(Dunedin), AV.L. .24 1259 * Jas. ThomsSn (Dnnedin), AV.L. 17 1240 S. S. Steele (Kimbolton), AV.L. 22 1235 ® AV. A. Nixun (Bunvood) No. 1 ■ *' AV.L -25 1231 f T. Kenned;' (Eangiora), S.W. so 1225 S A. R. Brown® (Napier), W.L. 30 1214 1: C. Ankctill (Jlasterton), AV.L. 22 1197 f A. Tisch (Dallington), W.L. ... 25 11S7 {■ A. H. Pacinian (Adelaide), AV.L. 22 1183 0 I'. li. Cameron (Greenm'ws), i W.L 28 1172 J R. AVillis and Son (N. 8.), W.L 2G 1158 ) ,F. Edclston (Motueka), AV.L.... 27 1140 f ilrs. B. Italian (Qamaru), W.L. 24 1139 1 'J'. Kennedy (IJangiora), W.W. 20 1139 t 'A. W. V*. Clarke (ilalswell) t S.AV SI) 1133 ( B. A. O'Brien (Waihi), W.L.... IB 1128 c A. B. Menzies (Addington) I W.L 22 1120 Dominion Poultry Plant (Coro- , mandel), W.L 19 . 1121 J H. Legcr (Wereroa), W.L 24 1112 1 N. Solomon (Westport), W.L.... 21 1097 G. H. Robinson, (Chch), 8.0. 18 1091 W. Burbury (Addington), W.L. 25 1091 Rothwell and Seddon (Middlemarch), W.L 21 10S1 H. M. Bannehr (Chch), AV.P.R. 15 1077 G. Finn (Wellington), W.L.... 19 JO7G Jas. Ashtpn (Hanmer S.), S.W. 16 1073 Sands, O'Callaghan and Co. (Christclnirch), AV.AV 19 1071 J. W. Bradley (Papamii), W.L. 19 1069 R. W. Hawke W.L. 19 1067 W. A. Nixon (Burwood), , < S.S.H. .' ?2 10G1 Verrall Bros. (Swannanoa), W.I 17 1059 ! D. Stewart (Normanby), W.L. 17 1051 Misses 31. and M. Bradley (Papanui),. W.L 11 1019 J. A. Corrie (Lincoln), AV.L. .. 18 1038 G. H. Robinson (Chch.), W.L. 17 1008 A. E. AVilson (Shirley), S.W. .. 30 100S W. A. Nixln (Burwood), No. 2 W.L 10 1003 J. AY. Green (St. Albans), W.L. ii icol G. H. Robinson (Chch.), S.W. 21 995 A. L. Saunders (Linwood), B.L 20 972 A. W. Adams (Sheffield), M. 13 970 A. E. AVilson (Shirley), AV.AV. 18 953 AV. A. Nixon (Burwood), 8.0. 18 912 AV. O. Sail (Cust), No. 2 AV.L. 27 893 A. AV. Adams (Sheffield), S.AV. 12 SSB AV. Knight (Hutt), S.AA' U 831 S. H. Scott (On-ehunga), S.W. . 0 816 Totals 1,123 59,801 FIRST DUCK EGG-LAYING COMPETITION. May 1; 1910, to March 31, 1911. FORTY-THIRD AVEEIC Official report for week ending February 23:— Last Total week's to Tl. date. AV. Knight (Hutt), No. 1 I.R. 7 1075 AV. Knight (Hutt), No. 2 I.R. 10 9GG C. Hammond (Hamilton), I.R. 0 950 T. Strong (Doyleston), I.R 5 926 AV. A. Nixon (Burwood), I.R. .. 0 SC3 S. 11. Scott (Onehunga), 8.0. 0 772 Seddon and Rotlnvcll (Middlemarch), I.R 0 7G3 T. Dowtlnvaite (Auckland), I.R. 0 756 S. H. Scott (Onehunga), I.R. ... 0 749 1 Mrs. T. M. Lucy (Duncdin), I.R 15 732 : Mrs. F. M. Ritchie (Chch.), I.R : « 711 . C. F. Nankevell (Cust), 8.0, 6 63.3 ! Totals .. 49 9901 i — i THE MOULTING SEASON. "Terror," one of the best writers on " poultry subjects, writes' as follows in > tho "Otago Witness":— 5 To defer the moult the hens must ? roost in a cool place. The door of the r house must be kept open night and " day, of courso avoiding draught-. If " tho hens are of a sitting breed they must bo removed from the nests directly when they show signs of be- , coming broody, and bo put under a - coop in a shady, cool place. To ha-sten f tho moult tho fowls must bo placed in - a warm and 1 sheltered house, when the ' increased temperature will cause them t, to shed their feathers quickly. If tho s lions arc of an incubating variety, tlio moult can bo brought about moro quickly by allowing them, when they •' become broody, ■to sit for ten days or c so on a china or other nest egg. and s then removing them to a small confined o pen. 'JTiis will cause them to drop feaa thcrs all at once, and quickly grow tho o 'new plumage.

In regard to food, fowls when moulting, do not require strong stimulants; they should have plenty of fresh green food. The ordinary grain can ho supplemented by a handful of hemp seed about twico a week. A little sulphate of iron in tho drinking water does good at this season, care being taken not to give- it in metal drinking vessels. l>'owls cat less when moulting than when they are laying. Indeed, just as xho moult commences some birds will hardly touch food, and will stop on the perch in the morning;, or mope in a corner of the house. Cleanliness must be specially observed, otherwise tho fallen feathers will contain a lot of vermin, and the poultry house will becomo unpleasant and unhealthy. Tho birds must have access to shelter during rainy weather. A thorough soaking when they aro nearly baro of feathers is apt to result in an attack of roup, or cause a chill that may throw tho bird back for weeks. A hen that gets through tho moult early and quickly will almost invariably provo a good winter layer. Sometimes when a fowl is thick in the moult, it will be seen constantly pecking at. one particular place on tlio body. This may bo caused by 0110 or more of the now feathers failing to pass through the skin and causing great irritation. If a neodlo is passed under the covered end of tho feather it will enable the feather to be drawn above tho skin.

An early moult can be induced, and when tho yearlings aro to bo kept for another season it is a good plan to get them through it as soon as possible. To do this you will liavo to stop their laying, and, of course, lose eggs while they aro sold already at a fair pricc. I need hardly point out tho cconomie advantage. An early moult can be brought about by causing artificially those conditions that prevail at the normal fnoulting season. Tho fowls should bo confined in a small shed, or even in their sleeping apartment, as the objcct is to provide as great a chango as possible. They will have to remain in tlieso limited quarters for two or three weeks, or until you find tho floor of tho place .well strewed with feathers and the birds themselves presenting a very dilapidated appearance. It is hardly a question of feeding so much as not feeding them while thus confined. The best food to give under tlieso circumstances is poor bail wheat or wheat screenings. As to tho quantity, they should only receive onefourth of their usual allowance of food per day. Ciivo them, say, about one ounce each day, half in the morning and half at night, and give 110 other food at all except green stuff. All tho drinking water they have should bo made to tasto saline by adding Epsom salts (again big doses are not needed; it is the small, regular doses that have the effect). 011 110 account give any kind of meat food until the moult is well begun. It is also advisablo to get birds to moult as quickly as possible, so that they aro ready sooner for both exhibition and laying purposes. Slow moulting is a great strain on tho system; early moulting should be encouraged. Adding a small quantity of hemp seed or boiled linseed to their diet will bo found to advantage, as well as tho flower of sulphur, mixed with their soft food in tho morning. Shade is principally needed for white and buffcoloured fowls during that period, as tho rays of tho sun have a bad effect on the plumago. The feathers become tanned, and have that yellow tinge that is so much despised in tho show pen. But do not go to the other extreme and moult tho birds in a small, dark pen on straw, for nothing takes the stamina out of a fowl so much as long confinement.

Gratifying News. Much gratification is expressed among Palmerstoii'poultrymeu and others outside the district- at -the- determination come to by the Jlanawatu A. and P. Association to extend tho prize scliedulo for pbultry.at the next National Dairy Show. Tho list in" the poultry division has been neal-ly doubled, while about forty classes for pigeons and canaries have also been included. Somo' years ago the Palmerston Poultry Show was looked upon as one of tho very best in the Dominion, and thero is no reason why it should not bo worked up to its former oxcollence. The trouble in the last few years lias been that the association simply could not accommodate the poultry, but now that it has been decided to extend the building accommodation the position has been quite altered. Though <the fact that it has been decided to extend tho list has only been known a few days, a number of special prizes have already been donated.