POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 98, 19 January 1935, Page 24

POULTRY NOTES

Where Management Counts

(By

CARE OF FLOCKS IN SUMMER-TIME

"New Laid.”)

Practically all poultrymen are theoretically sound on the question of summer management of their stock, but it is surprising how many forget or neglect elementary practices which have an important bearing on the health and productiveness of their birds, particularly so in a hot summer such as the present one. Discussing some of the outstanding requirements in poultry farm routine during a hot summer, Cyril Grange F.U.S.A., states in “Poultrj - ” (England) that while summer sun has beneficial effects on laying fowls, too much sun has harmful effects on layers. It creates upsets Qf itheir internal temperature-regulating mechanism with the resultant prostration ; it encourages the rapid increase ot all bodily parasites ; it causes wilting and drying of green food; it sours food or makes it dry, dusty and unpalatable; it warms the drinking water and makes it a breeding ground for germs; it may lipset the digestive organs and render fowls prone to disease, and it destroys (the quality of freshly laid eggs. Fortuu--1 ately, if precautionary measures are taken, these disadvantages may be obviated and layers can be made to yield •the highest possible profit.

Food and Water. It is important that all food should be kept palatable, because any failing at appetite results at once in a reduction in e"gs collected. Dry mashes should be stored so that they retain their full flavour and food value, the ideal store being dry, cool, dark, well ventilated and free from all vermin. If mash has lost its fresh smeel it is stale and old; if it is “sawdusty” it is heated and dried up ; it there are hard caked lumps at the bottom it is an indication of long storage or possible dampness. Dry mash hoppers should be shaded from the hot sun. IV et mash troughs should be scrubbed out with disinfectant solution to prevent mould-growths appearing in the crevices. Wet mash can well' be mixed rather wetter than normal, as it is then more readily eaten. Green feed should be thoroughly fresh, crisp and unwilted, and if fed at noon has a definite effect in maintaining appetite. Birds respond it given as much succulent green stuff as thev will eat. The drinking water plays a far more important part in egg production than many realise, dnd it is most essential that it should be shaded so (that during hot weather it is always cool, dean, and in ample quantity. All containers should be kept scrupulously clean and should be scoured out regularly. Birds should have shade to retire to out of the direct rays of the sun, otherwise the egg basket will be lighter.

Insect Pests. Pests such as lice and red nutes which prevent the birds obtaining proper rest ■and nourishment are a source of trouble at all times, but at no time more than during a hot summer. No effort is too great to keep these pests at bay as they do untold harm if allowed to flourish unchecked, and reduce the egg yield enormously. An English authority, writing on lice and red mite, states that the nicotine perch paints on the market will destroy lice, few poultrykeepers now faking the trouble to treat the birds individually. Two applications are advised, the second eight to ten days after •the first. The second application will destroy the young lice that hatch subsequent to the first application. When jusing perch paint it is important to carry out the manufacturers’ instructions, as the right quantity should be •applied—too little will prove ineffective. Whilst too much may upset the fowls and

cause them to moult. The rate at which red mites breed is 'extraordinary, and occasionally, even When apparently clean fowls are placed 5n new houses, in the course of a few Weeks it may be found that the houses lare literally teeming with these pests, which are to be found beneath . the perches and in any available hiding (place. There is no better means of getting gid of them ’than by spraying the house with paraffin or creosote, but the spraying must be well done, all cracks and crevices being flooded. Before the application is made the house should be thoroughly cleaned to remove accumulated droppings, dirt and dust which, may protect the mites from the insecticide. Close attention should be paid to the perches, perch-pockets etc., .which are favourite breeding grounds. Lime wash containing 5 per cent, of any good coal tar (disinfectant will make the fowlhouse look clean and bright and improve the lighting and will also dispose of mites. Provision of a good dust bath will enable the birds to keep themselves free of body parasites. A Shellgrit Standard.

The question of formulating an Australian standard specification covering grit for poultry has been occupying the attention of the Standards Association, of Australia since April, 1933, and numerous conferences have been held to <.iseuss the matter. A national standard was tentatively adopted last month, the specification covering the physical and chemical requirements of shellgrit being as under, although it is liable to alteration before final acceptance:— Types of Shell—The grit shall be of oyster or mixed shells and shall contain not more than 5 per cent, by weight of blue barnacle or highly-pigmented blue of Grit —The grit shall be clean and sweet, tinburned, and free from .contamination by foreign organic matter. Fineness —The grit shall be of such a degree of fineness that it. shall, pass through a screen of 5/lGin. square apertures and 90 per cent, shall be retained on a screen of Jin. apertures. , Chemical composition—The grit shall contain not less than 93 per cent, of Calcium carbonate and not more than u per cent, of mineral matter insoluble in hydrochloric acid 10 per cent, strength. Packing—The grit shall be supplied in bag>=, the weight to be clearly marked on each bag. The contents shall contain not more than 5 Tier cent, moisture. Sealing—The bags shall be sealed m ftuch a manner as to prevent interference or substitution of the contents. Chick-Sexing in Four Days.

A Canadian (Mr. R. M. Forsyth) who proposes to teach British hatcherymen and poultry farmers how to sex day-old chickens for themselves so that 'it ViH not be necessary for them to pay large sums to the Japanese experts, is at present in England, according'to the “Feathered World.” Before going to England. Mr. Forsyth had been travelling through Canada teaching chick-sexing, which he claims can be learned in four days. At the first school held in Canada, at Exeter, Ontario, Mr. Forsyth had a class of 10 students, and after four days instruction six of these students, it is stated, had an accuracy of 90 per cent, or better, and all the others had an accuracy of over 80 per cent. Such competency does not rank the men as experts—to. reach the same stage as leading Japanese experts would necessitate two or three years of hard practice or a minimum of 109,000 chickens. The Canadian students, however, learned’what to look for and how to look for it, and the speed and accuracy which they obtained in their four-day course, it is claimed, is adequate for their own commercial needs and will enable them to cull out a large percentage of the cockerels.

Pullets and the Moult. The date when a pullet is hatched will have a considerable bearing ou the date of its first moult, says S. C. Atkins in “Poultry” (Eng.). Early hatched pullets mar fall into a moult in the autumn, while those hatched a week or two later may lay through till the autumn, of the following year. The date of the first moult also has a big influence on the timing of subsequent moults and if a pullet does not moult in the first autumn it will be one of the first to do so the next year.

Correct Storage of Eggs. Jfrejuent gathering of to four

times a dav in hot weather, and twice a day at other times —prevents excessive evaporation of the watery contents ot the eggs and germ development in fertile eggs. It also reduces the number of dirty and cracked eggs. 'The eggs should be taken directly from the nests to a cool storeroom. An English writer records that he was impressed by a sample of wonderfully fresh looking eggs, full of bloom and quality which made eggs taken from ether sources appear stale. On making inquiries it was found that the attractive looking eggs came from a small holder and the “secret” of their appearance was good storage. They were packed away daily in a cool, airy dairy in buckets, and between each layer was spread a sheet of grease-proof paper. This seemed to fix the nest-sheen —and the reward was a permanent customer for the complete supply at a penny per dozen over local market rates.

Egg Yolk Fat. Feeding experiments carried out at Cambridge, Eng., have established the fact that the feeding of soft fats alters the character of the egg yolk fat, whereas feeding hard fats has no such effect. The character of the fats present in the egg can therefore to some extent be controlled by the nature of the food used. Since the fat in the egg serves as a source of energy for the developing chick, this latter fact may eventually prove of significance in the investigation of the factors determining the hatehability of eggs.

Cure for Bumblefoot. Bumblefoot in the early stages, says an exchange, can frequently be cured by smearing the foot with a paste made of powdered copper sulphate 20z., powdered alum loz.. carbolic acid 1 drachm and Stockholm tar sufficient to form a paste. The foot should be bound up afterwards. Cool-stored Eggs. . In a recent revision of the regulations relating to the marketing of eggs in Western Australia, the following provisions are made in reference to the coo.stored e^s — Any eggs intended for cold store or other preservative process and thereafter for sale, shall be stamped with the word “chilled” or “preserved,” as the case may be, with indelible ink, in letters not less than one-eighth inch in height, prior to being placed in cold store or to being preserved. The owner or person in charge of every cold store into which eggs are received shall furnish weekly returns to the Dept, of Agriculture of all eggs so received, together with the name of the person from whom such eggs have been received. Any eggs which have been in cold store or subject to any process for preservation, and thereafter delivered in Western Australia for the purpose of sale within the State, shall be stamped with the word '“chilled” or “preserved” with approved indelible ink, in letters. not less than oneeigth of an inch in' height.

Internal Derungemianjt. There are numerous causes of diarrhoea in fowls and various forms of the trouble, and in treatment the correct procedure is first of all try and find the cause. Discussing the outstanding causes of diarrhoea and the treatment necessary “Poultry” says:— Light yellow and white diarrhoea may indicate that ticks are attacking the fowls, and treatment of the perches with sump oil 2 parts and sheepdip 1 part, Will soon stop this. Light yellow or brown diarrhoea may be the result of fowls having liver disease from insufficient meatfeed, and the • remedy is obvious, but should be acompanied by the giving of .Glauber salts: dissolve Mb. salts in 1 quart of boiling water and give a tablespoonful of this in each quart of water three or four times a week for three or four weeks. Bubbly yellow diarrhoea, which' sweeps off leaving a reddish stain usually means the fowls are getting too much meat meal, which is easily adjusted. Mustard-colour-ed and sometimes bubbly-yellow diarrhoea generally indicates worm infestation, for which worm medicine should be given. White and, or green diarrhoea may mean that the fowls have an internal chill, for which lime water 2 parts, pure water 1 part, should be supplied as the only drinking water. Creamy white diarrhoea usually means internal inflammation, such as in the oviduct, and -Joz. glycerine injected into the oviduct with a small glass ear syringe may do good. Loose yellow, green or white diarrhoea which stains the vent feathers, accompanied by marked thirst may be regarded as enteritis from eating bad feed, drinking impure water, chill, or worms. For this give a teaspoonful of a strong solution of perchloride of iron in each half-gallon of drinking water. A touch of white staining the vent feathers when the droppings are normal, may be taken as a sign that the fowls. need dusting with insecticide for lice. Liquid blood in the dropping of an adult hen may be dysentry, for which the enteritis treatment should be given, or may be due to worms, but it is most likely to be caused by rupture of the oviduct; this is inter-, nal, and does not mean protrusion of the oviduct, which' is commonly called “rupture.” Entirely grey droppings usually indicate kidney trouble from feeding too much 'meatmeal. Black diarrhoea may be caused by the feeding of wood charcoal, or sulphur, or vegetables like cabbage containing sulphur;'this will correct itself. Slight green diarrhoea generally accompanies the last stages of tuberculosis or liver disease, for which there is no treatment.

General Notes. During hot weather such as ’has been experienced lately fowls suffer if they have not got a shady spot to retire to. Failing natural shade it is not difficult to erect a shelter from the direct heat of the sun, and the labour involved will be more than paid for by the egg return. The chief things to bear in mind in summer feeding are to avoid fattening food and to provide ample green feed and plenty of fresh water. * » * Strict attention should be paid to the ground over which fowls are run. It is important that foul patches should be treated and cleansed before they become a real danger. * » • Good ventilation and plenty of fresh air are as important as good food. lie « ' * Eggs being composed largely of yvatcr. it is important to keep, the drinking water clean and fresh. Slime should not be allowed to form on the containers, which should be protected from the sun especially during the present hot spell. ft if- *

A simple means of preventing feed troughs becoming fouled between meals is to turn them 1 , upside down .>r hang them up.

The breeder who places high value on stamina and vigour is rewarded by many other desirable attributes which appear in his stock ns a matter of course.

Sour milk is an excellent food in hot weather. It is highly digestible and nutritious, mid has a cooling effect.

There is no more certain cause of stunted, sickly chickens than overcrowding. The house which was quite adequate for stock a few weeks old. will possibly be too small for them at present.

Protrusions in laying hens may result from various causes. A too stimulating ration or a too fattening one may cause tlie trouble. Laying too large eggs, constipation, and lack of tone in the oviduct muscles after a long period of laying are ■other possible causes, ♦ ♦ •

Receipts from eggs produced at the Midland Agricultural College. England, in 1930, exceeded the return from table poultry by £270, while in the year ended March', 1934, receipts from table poultry

exceeded those from eggs by £122. At the last annual conference of the eollege it was stated that had it not been for table poultry the poultry plant would have shown a considerable loss iu the last few years. EGG-LAYING CONTESTS Massey College Results Following are the results of the 42nd week of the egg-laying contest conducted at Massey College:— SINGLE PENS. Section A. J. A Annan, IV.L., 4—176: C. H. Barker. W.L., No. 1,0—154 d; IV.L., No. 2. 0—125; IV. 11. Barker, IV.L., No. 1, 0—97; IV.L., No. 2. o—Hod; IV.L., No. 3, 6—184: Mrs. K. It. Cameron, IV.L., 5 —239 x; Emery Bros.. W.L., 3—180; E. JI. Galvin, IV.L., No. 1 0-SBd: IV.L.. No. 2. 0—140; IV.L., No. 3 0—58(1; 11. Hutchinson, IV.L.. 2—188; C. iv. L. King. IV.L., 5—174; A. G. Mumby, IV.L., No. 1, 4—205; IV.L., No. 2 5 188- IV.L., No. 3. 0—18(1; IV.L.. No. 4’ s—2lB;’H. Moreland, IV.L., 4—159; IV. J. McAloon. IV.L., 4—151; A. J. Shailor, IV.L., 4 — 177; H. Williams, W.L., No. 1, 5— 183 x; IV.L.. No. 2,4—173 x; IVhenuapai Poultry Farm. IV.L., 5 —215; Jlrs. E. Youngson, Bk.L., No. 1, 0—99(1: Bk.L., No. 2 0—172; D. Kruse. Anc., No. 1, 0—118; Ane.. No. 2. 1—139; F. Lang, Anc., No. 1, 4—153; Anc.. No. 2, 3—163; J. Smith, Ane.. No 1, 4—183; Anc., No. 2, 3—195; H. Williams. W.L.. No. 3. 4—193; A. Strawbridge, IV.L, 2—195; A. R. .Watson, Br.L., 5—169.

Section 15. .Miss E. T. Somor, RIR., 0 —114; K. Mouldey, RIR, 3—129; IV. A. I,arsen, 15.0., No. 3, 6—150: T. Dowthwaite. W.W., No. 3, 5—177; IV. A. Larsen, 8.0., No. 1,5—185 x; 8.0... No. 2, 5—208; Mrs. Waddell, 8.0., 0—180 x; T. Dowthwaite. IV.W„ No. 1, 0—88; W.W., No. 2. 0-161. TEAM RESULTS. Section C. C W. L. King, W.L., 160, 198, 181, 152, 159, 196, ,(32). 1,046. A. J. Davey, W.L., 198, 156, 184, 184, 157, 155, (28), 1,034. S. D Morris. W.L., 171. 192, 49d, 190, 207. 223. (28), 1.032. M Stephenson, IV.L., 132, 121, 213, ICO, 155, 106. (20). 997. ,T. Graham. IV.L., 152 x, 138 x, IG9, 151, 147 x, 171 T, (16), 936. P B. Harrison, W.L., 192, 118, 165. 129, 170, 140. (19), 914. Mrs. D. A. Stewart. IV.L., 159 , 70d. 184 x, 117. 195*, 167 x, (17), 892. Emery Bros., W.L., 72d, 181. 206, 97, 141, 194. (25), 891. 11. Polson. W.L.. 161, 96, Hid, 163, 160. 186, (20). 877. J. T. Ilazehtyjod. W.L., 182, 208, 9d. 158 x, 165. 148 x, (18), 870. Mrs. Geo. Hillman, W.L., 177, 127, 177, 173. 30, 172. (13), 856. A. Strawbridge, W.L,, 138. 147, 166, 19(1, 154. 178, (26), 802. E. 15. Wainscott, W.L., 13S, 92, 91, 137, 138. 206, (21), 802. IV N. Laws, IV.L., 148, 150. 113, 74, 131, 148. (26), 770 II I. Lucas, IV.L., 140. lOld, 85, 169. 106. 162, (17). 769. E 1> Wilkinson, W.L., 133, 113, 90. 139, 148. 137, (18), 766. J. Smith. Anc., 133, 111, 128, 26, 140, 116. (13). 654. F Lang. Anc., 121, 134, 77x, 87. 108, 68x, (21)', 596. ’ Section D.

Miss E. T. Somer, RIR. 208, 216. 204, 112. 210 x. 153, (32), 1.103. F. A. Dewhurst. RIR, 140. 159 x, 87, 200, 201. 244, (21), 1,037. W A. Larsen, 8.0., 118, 245, 80, 200 x, 204. 08d. (22), 015. W’ E. .Tones. RIR, 161, ISO, 35(1, 182, 176, 158 x, (23), 892. “x” Disqualified Egg Weight Clause, “d” Bird dead. 4—H7- W.L., No. 2, 4— 173 x; Whenuapal Bros., W.L., 3—180; E. M. Galvon, W.L., ker, W.L., No. 1,0—151 d; W.L., No. 2,