POULTRY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 160, 6 June 1940, Page 4

POULTRY NOTES

(By “Brooder.”) Neglect to keep some shell grit on hand can retard laying and greatly diminish the supply, even when the birds have begun their yield. Without a sufficient supply of calcium, some of which is secured by the bird from its rations, it has not the wherewithal to shell its eggs. It is true that birds hold a reserve supply in their hones; also that once they begin laying,..by a law of Nature, their stocks of calcium are greatly increased; indeed, the calcium content of the blood almost doubles. Nevertheless, calcium must be supplied, the best method being by studying the feed content, this to be supplemented by a good hard shell grit. If birds draw upon their reserves this can have a weakening effect. This, of course, means a cracking up of the system sooner than need be. Keep the grit constantly before the birds. Oyster shell grit is alright, hut the hard grit is preferred. Growth ceases when egg production begins. Therefore., do not urge on your birds to lay until a good average size is attained. This is the cause of so many complaints regarding the losing of size in many of our much favoured breed.

It is thought that the bird laying soft-shelled eggs usually lias a muchworried expression and is very slow in its movements. If the soft-shelled eggs are found on the dropping board, watch for the hen perching there. It it is known that birds perch in the same position or thereabouts each night. That is why there is so much noise and chatter in a fowl-house about perching time. Anyhow, take note of the position of the soft-shelled eggs when found. Do not worry if there are a few such eggs from your pullets; all sorts of things account for this; and the trouble usually rights itself as the birds grow older. A price of £2O was recently refused by the owner of a particularly nice Light Sussex cock. He was certain the bird was much more valuable. The loss of an odd bird now and again does not bother owners of fairly large flocks. It is to he expected that birds from natural causes alone will fall out, or die. Besides are there not in all flocks birds with troubles not discernible to the eye? The loss of these birds from time to time is to be expected. It is only when there is an alarming loss of any number about the same time that anxiety should lie felt It is evident that some virulent disease is at work. Action should be taken immediately.

CANARY AND CAGE BIRD NOTES.

It is winter time and perhaps youi pet is looking very sluggish, with feathers very loose. If "it is in a small cage these symptoms of being thoughlv out of condition indicate that a change to a small flight would he beneficial and greatly appreciated by the bird. See note regarding flight cages last week. A tonic; from your bird shop would not be out of place. Are you a beginner, hoping to build up a reputation as a breeder of good birds? If so, be sure to get really good foundation breeders. These cost a little more than others, but they are worth it Where first, results indicate that only a moderate success has been achieved, all this means loss of time and is a bad advertisement for the breeder wishing to make a name., success, stable and enduring, can only be obtained by having the best and keeping it. Remember, looks do not always show the true value. Know the history of the stock that is bought. It is possible to breed in the winter time, but best results are secured m the natural breeding season—spring and earlv summer. Seed alone is not sufficient to maintain good health. Many necessary elements are missing. Egg food and sop food are also very necessary to good health.