POULTRY NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 126, 25 February 1928, Page 28

POULTRY NOTES.

(By

"New-Laid”)

Annual Conference. The. t-iglilcenth annu.d conference of the New Zealand Poultry Association will lie held at the Dominion Farmers’ Institute, Wellington, on March 7, 8 and (1. A large attendance of representative poultrymen from all parts of tbe Dominion is expected. The annual dinner will be held on tbe Thursday night, and on the Friday afternoon tbe delegates will journey to Wulluceville to inspect tbe Government experimental poultry farm recently established there. Local poultrymen arc invited to be present at the conference, and those who do so will doubtless derive benefit bv the exchange of views with their fellow men from other parts of the country. 'There are many problems connected with tbe industry which can best be solved by attendance at such conferences as the forthcoming one.

Decomposition of Eggs. Bacteria, those microscopic organisms which are so constantly, yet so inconspicuously present, are responsible for the decomposition of eggs. '1 he egg is complex chemically, and like milk, it is one of the best media lor bacteria. The work of these organisms is to simplify or decompose the white arid yolk until the egg is, seemingly, worse than useless, though even rotten eggs find a place in some markets for polishing leather, and arc sold by the packing houses tor that purpose. Many eggs have bacteria in them when they are laid, and when placed under favourable conditions these cim.-q decomposition. 'The causes of infection arc:—

1. The bacteria that cause decomposition in eggs have been found in the oviduct of tbe hen, eveu in the upper portion, so that the egg may be infected in the earlier stage of its formation, particularly at the time when the white or albumen is secreted. 2. A diseased condition of the ovary of the lien may cause the Infection of eggs. I’oultrvnien, especially those who dress large numbers of fowls, frequently find liens that are so diseased. ft seems impossible, however, to diagnose a diseased condition of this sort before dissection, hence it would be difficult to guard against such infection. 3. Eggs may be infected after they have been laid, as it is possible for the bacteria to pass through the pores of the shell. Moisture plays a part in such infections, for while the egg is covered with its normal mucilaginous coating and kept in a dry place it is difficult to infect. Infection is not so difficult a matter. Many egg shells have major or minor defects of a similar nature, and of such a character as to be passed over wholly unobserved. These defects may be caused by not feeding hens a sufficient amount of shell-forming food. Eggs are liable to be infected soon after they are laid. Nesting material is a great source of infection, for if this has been allowed to remain unchanged for a long time it becomes foul, and teems with bacteria. The Layer.

The producing hen is of happy disposition; tbe breast full, the legs not too course in texture and not too long. The body should not show coarseness and the tail should be carried rather high. Of breeds with yellow legs, it will be noted that the heavy layer has the shanks breached out. This breaching is usually in direct proportion to the productiveness of the bird. The comb, face, and wattles should be bright red, this condition indicating health. A happy disposition manifested by the lien singing and foraging much of the time, is characteristic o( a good producer.

Best Breed For Beginners. The beginner has tuy sympatliy (writes “The Truant” in an exchange). He asks which is the best breed? and twenty breeders will recommend twenty iliilereut varieties. If be aks me, I would answer White Leghorns. Why? Because they arc the easiest to take care of, stand confinement best and are not elicit overled. Every year one hears this remark early in the season: "I am not getting very good hatches from my heavy breeds, but my Leghorns are hatching title.’' The reason Leghorns are so iii'ich better (han the heavier breeds is because they arc very active, ami during winter months have been busy scratching and keeping in a healthy condition. The heavier breeds are inclined to become fat and out of condition through confinement, and that is why the early hatches of Leghorn eggs show a high percentage of fertility. The Drinking Vessels. Once a week give the drinking dishes a sci libbing mid scald with hot water, in which a small quantity of common baking soda lias been dissolved. Reduce Living Costs. Get some good hens. You will find them pay. You will reduce your own cost of living. You will turn waste into food.