THE POULTRY INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1407, 6 April 1912, Page 15

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY.

(By Cliantecler.)

Final Laying Returns. Tho Utility Poultry Club's seventh cslaying competition lor fowls ami -ocuml teat tur ducks was concluded at I'apiuuii on hnturday Just. The tests liavo hreu most successful. Tho :ISO fowls gavo mi egS yield of-nearly 71,15«, an avcrapc of -UU eggs per bird. The i-cturns from tlm ducks were excellent-, the two leading pens putting uji records. The honours went to the Herelaiw.i Poultry Company, which won both competitions. Mr. A. ]{. Browno and i Mr. W. A. Aixou finished eijiinl second, and J}. I '' T - Kennedy, the breeder of Silver Uvandottes, beat all his previous h'no performances. Tho feeding was much tho same as adopted in the previous three competitions, nnmely:—Morning, before seven o dock, half a pint of grain is thrown in deep litter in the scratching-shed to each six birds, At 9 a.m. about lloz. of mash, consisting of two-parts pollard, ono part bran (by measure), mixed with liver soup. At 1 p.m. three ounces minced liver was given to tho six birds, and in tho evening three-quarters of a pint of wheat was thrown in tho Jitter. Any birds that appeared to bo extra hungry wero given a littlo more. Ground oyster shell and metal grit, and fresh water , were always before the fowls. lied clover (chaffed) and other green food were, supplied to the birds. Tho records are as follow:— FOWLS. Last four days' Total. Total. Heretaunga Poultry Co. (Silvorstream), AV. leghorns ... 9 IJGJ W. Nixon (Burwood), W. Leghorns 12 1«7 A. E. Browno (Greeumeadows), White Leghorns 7 1417 W. Nixon (Burwood), AVhito Leghorns 9 H46 T. Kennedy (Rangiora), Silver Wyaudottes 12 1111 A. Tisch (Dallinglon), White Leghorns 9 138G J. W. Green (St. Albans), W. Leghorns 11 1371 Mrs. i. Mills (Dunedin) AVhito Leghorns 5 1353 T. Kennedy (Kangiora), White Leghorns 10 1322 Heretaunga Poultry Co. (Silverstrcam), W. Leghorns ... 5 1330 Misses M. and 11. Bradley (Papanui), W. Leghorns 3 1352 D. Y. Gibson (Herbert), Whifo Leghorns -4 1308 AY. Knight (Hutt), No. 1 White Leghorns 12 1300 W. O. Sail (Cust), W. Leghorns 10 1253 A. Stevenson (Wellington), W. Leghorns 9 1275 W. G. Goodwin (Thames), W. Leghorns 6 1273 C. M. Peck (Avondale), White . Leghorns 2 12G6 W. Halpin (Greeumeadows), White Leghorns 0 12G5 W. Balch (Belfast), White Leghorns 12 1200 A. I!. Browno (Greenmeadowk), W. Leghorns 7 1251 G. H. Kobinson (Christchurch), Black Orpingtons 5 121G T. Collins (Waiwetu), Whi'.e Leghorns '. i 1213 A. W. Irvine (Epsom), AVhito Leghorns 7 12'.!j A. K. Kimiear (Adelaide), AV. Leghorns 7 12-11 C. Hammond (Kuakura), AVhito Plymouth Itocks 13 1°33 A. E. Wilwn (Shirley), White AVyamlottes 11 12.33 G. H. iiarnott (Leeston), Brown Leghorns S 122.) Thomas I'Vethey (Martinbor-

ough), B. Leghorns 5 lilt Mrs. ](. W. Haivke (Papanui), .White Leghorns 3 l"ii W.- Scull (Christehurcli), B.' ' ' Wyando'.tes 12 r'OG A. li. Kent (Shirley), Whito Leghorns .' 5 11SS C. L. Bridges (Waiiganui), W. Leghorns 7 112G . H. M. Baunehr (Riecarton), W. Plymouth Rocks 13 1022 Dominion Poultry Plant (C'oromaadei), W. Leghorns fi 1191 Eanginru Egg Ranch (Otaki), White Leghorns 0 1193 K. Willis ami Sons (Xev Brighton). White Leghorns 0 ' 1192 P. J. Keller (EolUston), \'v. Leghorns 0 11S0 H. Lcgcr (Weraroa), White Leghorns 0 HS3 H. Meadows (Spreydou), W. Leghorns 5 1132 Verrall Bros. (Sivannanoa), \\~. L-eghoms '. 3 1175 N. Kolomon (Wcstpoi , ;), White LegUorns 3 1131 A. W. Adams (Sheffield), Silver Wyandottes 10 1119 A. H. Padman (Adelaide), W. Leghorns 0 mi C. M. Peck (Avondale), B. Orpingtons 0 1111 " G. Finn (Wellington), White i Leghorns 2 HOG A. W. Irvhio (Epsom), White Leghorns 0 1097 a G. ll._ Robinson (Christchurch), White Ljjrhorns 7 1035 W. Knight (Ilutt), White Leghorns i-. 3 1095 A. K. Wilson (Shirley), White I Leghorns i 1092 Master Gordon Wilson (Shirjoy), W. Leghorns 0 1071 A. K Meniiies (Addiiiglon), K.C.W.L :. 5 1027 Edgar Hall (L. Ilutt), B. Orpingtons 2 956 T. Howtlnvnito (Auckland), While Lcfihorns 0 990 ,D. Stewart (Normandy), W. Loshorns G 9SG E. Willis am! Sons (New Brighton). B. Orpingtons 2 519 A. 1". 11. Sutherland (WellingI ton), W. Plymouth Hocks... 9 015 James Maxwell (Masterton), B. Orpingtons 7 gji P. J. Keller (Rolk-ston), C. ... 6 1)33 James Ashton (Hanmer), Silver Wyfliulottes 3 BG4 G. 11. Bradford (Cust), Whito Leghorns 0 77' i Totals 385 71,150

The following i.s Hie pri/o-lisl:— miiiilji-r, ol rv'-s in iwplvo months—Jtenilaiiiiga I'oi'iltrv Company, HB-t vggs. ,tui, I; A. li. lii-owue and W. Nixon, 14-17, .til, cnunl. J; W. A. Nixon, M-!«. X'J, I; T. Kniihdy (Silver Wyaudoites). ini, £i. ;,; a. TiM-h, i:is«. ills., li. Monthly ),rizi-; fir.-t los., fecund JIK— -\pril: Ci. Jf. .I,'obiiison's JJhick Urpiiii:lons, 14J ]loretauu;;a I'onUry < - om]iaiiy"s No. 1 While Leghorn*. US.' May: 3[is.sps liiadley's While Li»'liorn-, Mil; l>. H. Oib.-un's While I.egliiiriis, 114. .rune: A. ](. Browne's Xo. 1 White Leghorns, lit; Misses llradley's WliiU Leghorns, llil. July: J. W!' Green's White Leghorns, 12j; W. llalpin's White Lesfliorns, 122. August: T. Keiinedv's Silver Wyandotles. 157: A. J!, lirowiie's No. 1 While Leghorns, 149. Septemlivr: Mrs. ,1. jjills's Wbito leghorns, 15(; 11. Willis and Son, A. W. Irvine, and W. 0. Sail, each 150. October: A. W. Irvine's White Leghorn?, IG7 (record); Mrs. i. Mills , * White Leghorns, 105. November: W. A. Nixon's No. 2 White Leghorns, 155: A. Stevenson's AVhite Leghorns, 153. December: W. A. Nixon's No. 2 White- Leghorn?, 159; A. Stevenson's White Leghorns, 15G. January: W. A. Nixon's No. 1 White Loghorns, 147; W. A. Nixon's No. 2 White Leghorns, and A. Stevenson's White Leghorns, each 141. February. W. A. Nixon's No. 1 and No. 2 White Leghorns, each 125. March: W. Balch's White Leghorns, 122; T. Kennedy's Whito Wyandottes, 120. Tho winter test, April 1 to July 31. resulted as follows:—G. H. Uobinsori's Black Orpingtons, 4GD eggs. .£2, 1; Misses M. and Jf. Bradley"s White. Leghorn?. 467 eggs, XI. 2; T. Kennedy's Silver Wyandortes, 423 eggs, 10s., 3. The autumn lest, January 1 to March 31. resulted:—W. A. Nixon's No. 2 Whito Leghorns, 3SO eggs, X'l 105.,_ 1; Heretaungn Poultry Company's No. 1 White Leghorns, 375 eggs, £1, 2; W. A. Nixon's No. 2 AVhite Loehorns, 3GG ogss, 10=., .1.

The club's gold medal for the greatest weight of egEs laid during tho competition, and the Studholmc prizes of XlO, £i, and «E2, will bo awarded in a few days. DUCKS (Indian E miners). Last four days' Total; Total. Heretaunga Poultry Co. (Silver.stream) .1 1,151 W. Knight (Hutt) 0 1311 A. 1!. Browne (Grecnmeadows) i 1212 P. J. Keller (Holloston) 3 1133 W. Knight (Hutt) 1 1107 T. If. Hall (Wernroa) 1 1102 C. Hammond (Ruaktira) 0 1037 T. Strong (Doyleslon) 11 10S0 B. A. O'Brieii (Waihi) 0 1003 T. Dowthwaite (Avondale) 3 013 W. Hodson (Cheviot) 5 80.T S. H. Scott (Onchungn) 0 843 F. AVebl) (Levin) 0 727 S. H. Scott (Onelninga) 3 GOD Totals 40 14.G05 Tho returns from the duck test were much more satisfactory thnn from !he previous test. The club List year madebettor provision for the ducks, and tho average egg yield readied 174 eggs. Tho four placed pens put up meritorious performances, oiid for r.inny months they rcconloil more eggs than iho leading pens of fowls.

Tlio follon-in.r; arc llio prizo-winners:— Greatc?t uiimlior of cgjjs in twelve montlis —Herptuiin"»a I'oullrv Company, Kl,">l ogRS U:>Y, 1: AV." Kniglit.'lOll 'c?gs'(J::t). 2; A. R. Browne, VIV2 (>CI 10s.), 3; P. Keller, 1193 eggs (las.),' 4. Winter tr-t (April 1 to July Sfl-Dcre-(a)in;;;i Poultry Company. JS2 eggs (gold medn!), 1; W. Knight, 153 . eggs (gold medal), 2. Tlu , two lending pens of ducks, having laid 1"jO eggs, have also gained standard certificates.

I Hcrotaunga Poultry Co. The Ilerctaunga Poultry Company has conio into prominence this year by capturing the coveted honours in both the competitions for fowls and ducks. Ths farm, which has nearly 2000 fowls and 2tiO head or ducks, is situated at. Silverstroam, a few milts out of Wellington. The manager is Mr. A. Mumby, who was in charge of tho iiov,- defu-ict Jlleiihvim c-r-lnnii" coinpstilions. The v.-jnners of (lie fowl test wero greatly atlmij-ed when' first soiit to the compeli'.ion. The pen got well away I he first inontlj, but slackened off the iccnntl nnd third months, when they ?c-t(le'l down to consistent laying. Tho wir.nin;: pen i.f ducks, with the exception of Jlr. Knight's, shod oat from the other competitors for constitution, stamina, and type. All (ho competing pens from Flerotaunga liavo changed hands, and tho company will again bo represented in tho 1912-1:! testa. Mr. A. R. Browne, Jlr. A. R. Browne, whoso Whito Leghorns divide sscon.'V place, is well known as a breeder of consistent layers. In the 1007-8 Blenheim competition his reproSDntativ-?, finished seventh, wilh IH3 eggs, but in the following year they recorded )'233, and were only overtaken'in Hie last iorfnight of the tost, finishing third. In 1903-10 ho competed in the L'tility Club's competition at Lincoln C'ollojje, iinishini; out of a nlacs with 10!)."i c?gs, ur.d in 1010II tho Tlawke's Bay breetU'i-'s Wliito leghorns recorded Kill ejnrs after a nu<:h paswgo on the boat. The 1!)11-12 birds arrived in fip.o condition. Tho No. 1 p?n arj a fine typo of layer, bei:i:, r very much the tamo shap>> a« tlio j\aii'.:iuru lecord iiolders of last year, and I heir iotal of IH7 is very civditable to Ihoir breeder. Mr. Browne has an ideal ii'.rm of wen and rv h.-lf acres al l'elane Bt-ni-Ji, I.liin-l;o's B:iy. It is shingly, and has a nice, gradual slope, being always dry underfoot, which means a lot'to llu- yoiin , ,' rVckens. On liie larrn ho lias nlion't T2fO While Jx-gliorns, brsd nn flip right lines for heavy cgg-produelion. Ijlisj oilier breeders who have dono well iu public o/jinpeti'ions, "Mr. Hrowno lias a big inrjuiry for stock.. Mr. W. A. Nixon. Mr. W. A. Nixon, who tied for second Honours, and also gained fourth place, lias bsen the largest competitor in eg"nyiii;; competitions in Australasia, and lie well deserves the distinction his representatives have gained in tho lest. In

190IJ-7 he compelled at Lincoln villi his iMvn strain withcnit success. In. 1!!07-S tin- M'cund ,mi.l third prize loiuns were liii-il by Hi,. IJunvtiiid enlhusia.-l, as ulso v.iti. tin- l'oin-tli prize (KHKii birds in Iho 13111-11 I'tilily Chili tiiiuiit-titioii. Th« egg yield irnni .Mr. W. .A. Nixon's Iwo pens in I Ik- IHll-l-i tumiiMition is nn athicvpment wliiib iinyonu niiiy well IVel highly liroml ill'. Tim iierlorinanco of the two lii'ii-i ilui'iiiK Hi« livp months bus been marvellous. The No. 2 lien were Uio iiiit-t spMiiMPiis of Wliilc J.DRbonis in the i;i>mpL'lit]on. They uxuolloil in size, type, iiiul ciilour, and three ]io«ess good fieail points-. They are. by a winning cockerel which Mr. Nixon chiimeil out of the, utility classes at I lie Cliristchurch show. I'oullry iiro.Uept chiefly for a hobby by llr. Nixon, and no one will grudge the IJurnood oiiiliiisinst the distinction his liivds have gained him. Ho will be rcjirp»enteil with fivo teams in the comiu;; lest.

Mr. T. Kennedy. The breeder of tho fifth prize pen has men a conspicuous competitor. In the five egu-laying competitions h« has had birds competing. In every competition he has captured a fair amount of tho prize-money. His strain of Silver "Wyandottes are famous throughout Australasia. Uy their achievement in the test his Silver Wyandottes have established a new record for that particular breed, and the same remarks will apply to his White Wyandottes. Mr. Kennedy keeps poultry partly as a hobby and partly for a livelihood. He only breeds about 200 on his ideal place in Coldstream Eoad, Kangiora, and being an old Game fancier, ho knows how to care for his birds to get Rood constitutions. In selecting layers, Mr. Kennedy is a great believer in tvpe, and tho success of his pens justifies him in his belief.

Results of Previous Competitions, First Competition. (12 months, 38 peas.) Eggs. H. Hawke (Greytown North), Silver Wyandottes 1281 1 J. H. Shaw (Christchurch), Brown Leghorns 1002 2 E. ]•]. M. Evans (Riccarton), Silver Wyandottes 992 3 Second Competition. (12 months, 88 pens.) Eggs, M. Blanch (New South Wales), Silver Wyandottes 1231 1 L\ O'Brien (Christchurch), Silver Wyandoltcs 853 fJanies Ashton (Hnnmer), Silver Wyandottes 858 ttEqual. Third Competition. (10 months, 18 pens.) Eggs. Allan Pctrie (Milton), White Leghorns 1220 1 J. Tongo (Christchurch), Whito Leghorns 117-1 2 Jlis= "liita Nixon (Burwood), Whito Leghorns 1135 3 Fourth Competition. (11 months IS days, 43 pens.) Eggs. Thomas Kennedy (Kangiora), Silver Wyandottes 1397 1 A. 11. Pndnmn (Adelaide), Whito Leghorns 1366 2 It. W. Hnwke (Papamii), White Leghorns 1335 3 A Correspondent on Co-oncration. The following letter from a well-known poultrymau has been received during the ivp?.k :— Sir,—l ngroo in th? main with "Chanteclcr" about tho rifle of a big co-operntivo attempt :it tho prpf-snt junetiire. The average rank and filer,' producer, King Demos, etc., is too indifferent. Wo must havo more enthusiasm. We shall. never succeed in a big striking wny until tho avernsra unit is thoroughly aroused, find is willing lo concentrate his mind on tho iob. But we can do a bit, and learn a, bit, by starling small and growing via tho egg circle. Meanwhile- let the skimming process go on until King Demos crbs "cnoilgb."

"Chanteclor" says:—"Afitrn mo of a good organiser, eapabln of busipcss-likc lnjinr.goment, and I will find .£IOOO towards co-operation right a'.viy." I repeat; that tlm all-important thing in collective industrialism is (ho awake, active unit. The lonely, smart mail or two, leading a horde of indifferent drowsy unit?, won't do. Give.mo a body of conscious and .•'ctive co-oporah>rs, and the managers will quickly lie forthcoming. On tho other hand, with an indifferent hotly of poultrymen, (ho clever manager would prove more of a danger than a, blessing, and, from tho units' point of view, it may only mean exchanging a set of bosslings for another set of bosslings. Wo can do liltlo that will ronnt without King Demos awako and willing.—l am, etc., 11. LEGER.