POULTRY FARMING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 4

POULTRY FARMING.

UP-TO-DATE METHODS. In poultry-farming as in otlier occupations nowadays it behoves thoso who wish to make a success of this industry to keep abreast of modern methods and the latest appliances, in order to achieve tlio best results. Probably in New Zealand to-day there is no poultry enthusiast more capable of imparting instruction on the subject that Mr. E. E. A. Gordon, of Petone, who has delivered various addresses at this centre. Ho is a breeder, who does not confine himself to airy theories, but puts into practical operation the ideas which experience has suggested as being of value to tlio man who wishes to make poultry-farming pay. He has devised various labor-saving appliances, ono of which is on view, locally, in tlio form of a model fowlhouse. On inspecting it yesterday, a representative of the “Times” 'was given a practical demonstration of useful simplicity of construction, and general convenience to breeders. The house is 12ft by 9ft, to accommodate 20 birds. The principle of the contrivance is that any number of birds, from 10 to 3000 can be released or confined, allowed access to soft food, and can be given the evening meal of grain at a daily expenditure of not more than five minutes’ work, and that without leaving the operator’s residence. The whole work is done b/ means of three levers, connected with the fowlhouse by means of strong and pliable steel wire ropes. The whole cost of the above mentioned house is £2 Is. No. 1 lever allows the birds to be released and also allows them access to the dust bath from outside. No. 2 lever releases ono pint of grain each time it is worked. No. 3 lever allows the birds to get at the dry mash. In rough stormy weather the birds arc able to procure soft food, charcoal grit, bone, grain, and dust bath without leaving the house.

A good scratching shed is provided, in which the poultry are kept busy scratching during wet weather. The house can also bo cleaned and the eggs poilected without the operator having to enter the building at all. Tho perches are suspended on ordinary fencing wire, 9 inches above a dropping board, which facilitates the cleaning of the house and effectually shelters the birds from floor draughts which are the bane of egg production. The house and labor-saving appliances constitute the most up-to-date poultry house in the world.

The building is erected on a property occupied bv Mr. It. Haycock, Palmerston road, and the public are welcome to inspect it at any time.