THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1776, 14 June 1913, Page 11

THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

1 (By Chantecler.)

Answers to Correspondents. "W.C.," Napier, writes, asking advice an to whethor ducks are more profitable to keep than hens. This is a somewhat difficult question to answer, as much depends on th« surroundings. Sonin places are suited for hens, but not ior ducks. In a town liens may be kept by the hundred on the intensive system, and give no trouble, whereas ducks might prove unprofitable. There is much to be said for both classes. Ducks, as layers, have proved themselves as profitable as hens. Only ono pen of hens has yet attained tho 1600 egg mark in a public test, but ducks have reached it, too. The plant required for ducks costs a great deal leKi, and they are more 6imply (though, pei'- • haps, a little more costly) fed. This subject is worthy of discussiou, and we would like some of our largest breeders of poultry to express their opinions. Thi9 column is open for discussion, and readers aro asked to mako too of it. "J.0.C.," Ohakune, asks for information regarding the best time of the year for . hens to moult, and state that there are advocates for both early and late moulters. lam aware of this diversity of • opinion, and am acquainted with many who. claim that late monlteTS are tho best layers. Over a number of ycara I have experimented with layers, iiid feel sure that thoro is nothing to gain, by a protraoted moult. It may mean a few extra eggs in winter, hut it means a heavy tax on the bird's constitution. Personally, I think that the moult should begin in February, and by April the birds are veil protected from the cold.'and romo come into lay again. Breeders of live stock, sheep, and cattle, are finding that, while they may increase the weight of wool and tho supply of milk, a sacrifice has to be made in constitution. There is a limit to Nature's response, and penalties are enforced when that limit is exceeded. To increase tho gfeneral average of a flock is a safe proposition: to force birds to a big record, and then breed from them, in the hopo of perpetuating their kind is a delusion. "L.M.8.," Hutt, asks for guidance in mating up birds. In tho heavy breeds mating should take place in July, and eggs sot to hatch in August. About eight hens to one male is a good pen. Select hens bright and active in appearance, that have been known to lay well. The male bird must be vigorous and conform to utility standard points. In the light breeds mating may be dono in August, and ten to twelve hens given to each male. "Beginner," Johnsonville, asks if there is any possibility of determining sex before eggs are set. I have no hesittu tion, in.'saying that it is impossible. Various instruments have been advertised, professing to do it, but they are mere toys. Sex in an egg is not determined till tho sixth day of incubation. I am glad to nolo tho increased interest in this column by readers. Questions forwarded to Tiif, Dominion Office on poultry matters will be answered each week.

Promising Times. The breeding season is close at hand. Poultrymen everywhere should his niak ing preparation for a largo increase in their flocks. The poultry industry is merely bejun is. New Zealand, and egg 9 and table poultry are to receive a greater demand than ever we, haTs known. The supply is sot in dan»er of being overdoio. During this winter eggs hav« remained at a high prico for several weeks. Egjs in winter can only bo obtained by thoughtful preparation the spring before. It is from puDeti we must get onr supply, and unless thess are hatched early, and well cared for, the egg-basket will remain low.. Mate up all the best birds, obtain more incubators, and make provision for a great in<wvase in the young stock, as they will be surely needed.

The Value of Strong Stock; Unless the parent stock .has been well cared for, pooT, sickly chickens will result. A visit to a - breeder's farm recently convinced the writer that'wo cannot be too careful in selection. Out of 850 hens only 200 were selected a 9 breeders. These wore all mated ho vigorous male birds. Thoy were placed in houses with ample accommodation for. wet days, and plenty of scratching material. They looked a picture, and must surely give a handsome return of chickens. Green food, exercise, grit, warmth, pnro water, and ample food are necessary to produce strong chickens. When these things aro lacking, failure may be looked for. The thirty-first Wellington Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society's annual ahow will take place in the Skating Kink, Vivian Street, on July 2, 8, and i. Tho championship for New Zealand in all classes is being competed for, and tho demand for schedules, it is stated, has been very great. Any fancier not having received a copy may inspect the same at Foglia and Copp's, wireworkers, Vivian Street. The entries close on June 21.