GENERAL NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue CXXIII, 10 April 1937, Page 25

GENERAL NOTES

Overcrowding is most harmful at this time of the year. Allow at least five squar» feet of floor space per bird and see that ample perching space is supplied. Fresh air is essential but draughts .in the fowl shed must be avoided. • Approximately 500,000,000 more eggs -were imported into Great Britain during 1936 than, in 1935. Denmark is the chief supplier, with the Netherlands, Poland, and the Irish Free State following. Spain is one of the tew other countries which imports eggs. Egg prices usually show a marked rise at this time of the year and lower production is already reported from many districts. .It is only well-man-aged pullets that will show a high egr» yield at this, season/ ■'. Wastage on a poultry plant must De carefully avoided. Common losses result from insufficient culling of inferior birds, carrying too many unwanted males and aged birds, carelessness in storing foodstuffs, and from vermin. ' . Sawdust makes a good base for poultry litter. It absorbs dampness from the droppings and will also help to keep down excessive fine dust. Rhode Island Reds are increasing in popularity as egg producers and the entries at the current Massey College egglaying contest constitute th,e best display of utility Reds ever entered in a laying contest in New Zealand. ' Since 'permits to import stud poultry ' .from abroad are ' not obtainable, many breeders are making- arrangements, to import.hatching eggs. These can.be obtained from Australia easily and consignments from England and Canada have given reasonably good results; when imported under special attention. Sometimes the parcel mails are stored near excessive heat and eggs

should always be consigned as freight care of a member of the ship's crew, not through the ordinary postal system. ' ~

Crates 'iov railing poultry, should be lightly made and well ventilated. Three-ply" makes a useful crate oh a light frame and such crates can be made returnable to their owner. Those who exhibit iat poultry shows should pay more attention to their crates. It is not too early to begin training show birds for the coming exhibitions. The successful exhibitor sends only birds that are in perfect condition and well trained. White-feathered birds must be well washed.

Recently an exhibitor showed birds with varnished legs! Faking of any kind, ..if caught, is penalised by disqualification. The true fancier never attempts to fake, but many get away with: little improvement which might come-under the heading of normal preparation. One of these is to use a: face wash which brings up the bright red colouring of the comb and wattles. This dressing is not considered illegal and certainly improves stale-birds very much. . '. Winter chicks are becoming more^ popular and it seems that ere long chicks will be available for purchase at almost any season of the year excepting in December and January.