POULTRY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 142, 16 May 1940, Page 5

POULTRY NOTES

(By “Brooder.”) How many of our Minorca breeders agree with the following opinion of wliat a Minorca should bo?—“It is now an accepted belief that for a true utility bird the Minorca should be an active bird, a good forager, and at its best it should be a fowl good to look at.” Those who hold this view are emphatic that when Minorcas aro encumbered with a large beefy comb and exaggerated lobes the bird is more or les§ repulsive, and, having such, its activity is impaired, thus causing a weakness in fecundity. Show time in approaching. No doubt the birds with the above characteristics will be there. Not a few fanciers, though, will hope that they will be found in the standard or fancy classes, which is their proper classification. “Stop exaggeration” and “Preserve the breed” are demands heard in many directions, Young birds are very timid and a change of quarters will upset them enough to retard laying for some time. Accustomed to allow his birds the run of the garden for an hour each day, a poultryman decided to place a new nest box in tile house one day, whilst the birds were having their usual freedom. The time came to put the birds back again. Imagine his surprise when they refused to enter. It was some time before the exasperated owner realised that the trouble was the new nest box. lie had perforce to got the birds in another way. Pullets are susceptible to the slightest change. Noting the above and remembering reference to getting birds trained for the exhibition pen in last week’s notes, a judge recommends training in the use of the judge’s stick for some time before the exhibition, if the bird is extremely nervous. When this is used, leave it sticking through the wires of the pen. The bird will soon get used to it. Take care to remove and reinsert the stick at intervals; also use the stick as a judge would, occasionally. How to get birds dry after a’washing preparatory to showing is often a problem" for many beginners. A very successful exhibitor made good use of a small electric radiator which lie placed in front of the pen following the washing of the bird. Note: Too long or undue exposure to such heat may cause a chill to the bird later. It is not necessary to place the heat very near the bird. Many backyard poultrykeepers find it pays to keep a few bantams. They lay well, if of the right kind, and at breeding . time they make excellent foster-mothers. Silkie liens are ideal for hatching and roaring chickens, while the Old English game and Pekin bantams or even a cross, are likewise favoured by breeders. Farmers who require only a few birds and do not wish to start incubating use bantams with much success.