"MOERA" POULTRY PLANT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1746, 10 May 1913, Page 15

"MOERA" POULTRY PLANT.

Amongst the men who are specialising with utility poultry, Mr. Fergusson, proprietor of the "Moera" Poultry Farm at 'l'reatham, has done a great deal in the way of infusing new blood into locallybred stock. During the past few montns valuable consignments of birds, as set out in his advertisement, have been imported from England and America, and the progeny will be available for general distribution at the proper season. "Moera" Poultry Farm offers a very wide selection of specially-chosen birds, which will bp readily availed of. Mr. Fergusson is aiming to produce a fowl that will ootnbine in itself tho two most valuable characteristics, namely, .a fairly large eggyield, and a presentable- table bird. It is, of course, impossible in tho shorfspaco of a notice such as this to dwell upon the virtues of each of tho varieties of poultry that are to be found in the "Aloera" pens, there is no doubt, "however, that Mr. Fergusson can pffer as wide a selection as can be found elsewhere in the Dominiou, but before an adequate opinion of the true value, both as regards appearance and egg-producing ability, can be formed, a porsonal inspection must bo made. Sinco this plant was founded a few years ago the owner has thrown a wonderful lot of energy into its development. No expense has been spared in stocking tho pens and furnishing buildings and other equipment necessary to accommodate a rapidly-expanding flock, which now embraces-a total considerably over two thousand head. During a recent visit the writer noted that extensive building operations had been effected since last year, to provide for tho growing needs of the establishment. In addition to tho creation of a number of specially-prepared breedingpens and runs, to accommodate this season's parent birds, Mr. Fergusson has constructed two large open-front houses, each of which contains 800 layers. Tho new model houses aro provided with large grass-runs, and the inmates bear the appearance of healthy and vigorous life. Tho solid brick structure containing the fivo incubators with a holding capacity of 1750 eggs, is now in readiness for the coming season's work, indeed, one machine was then being used for the' purpose of hatching early chicks. The long brooder-house is also in readiness to receive its future inmates. . Mr. Fergusson is a firm believer ; n disinfectants about a poultry farm, and has carefully sprayed every part of tho buildings witli a speoial preparation of his own, which ho proposes to place on the market in duo coursc. ' In addition to spraying the buildings, the birds themselves have all been immersed in the disinfecting, fluid, and although the work entails considerable time, _ and time is money on a poultry farm, it is considered that tho results shown in the health of the birds fully repays for the trouble. Tho foregoing is but a brief outline of tho operations that arc being conducted at "Moera." All interested in poultry for profit should accept Mr. Fergusson's invitation, and pay his plant a visit, and lenm at first-hand the extent of his operations, and form their own impressions of the stock that will be available for disIribution in a few months' time. An t illustrated catalogue is now beng prepared giving all particulars. When finished, a copy will be sent to any address on applicaton. Mr. J. M. Ferguson. Moera Poultry Farm, Trentham. telegraphs as follows:— First batch chicks arrived, 90 per cent. Very pleased."