THE POULTRY YARD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 588, 30 November 1920, Page 2

THE POULTRY YARD.

WHEN THE HENS LAY BEST.

When poultry kyeepers find their tuns and ground becoming overcrowd ed it is wise to look around for a reduction of the stock; and, in doing so to remember that a hen ceases to give a maximum profit after the second year. If kept beyond that time all her eggs will be laid when they are plentiful and cheap—in late spring and summer. The exhaustion of the hen demands consideration from those whose space is limited, and especially if fowls have been forced to give an abundance of eggs during the winter months by stimulating foods. In many cases imprudent stimulation brings on derange ment of the digestive organs and gen eial debility, and unless valuable show birds tliev may be killed off with advantage before moulting commerces. Hens naturally lay their eggs in batches, and on completion they seek rest by broodiness and rearing of young, after which another batch is commenced, if bodily vigour and robust health are present. Utility poul-try-keepers are watchful of the profit-earning capabilities of their birds, and recognise that, as a rule, the largest quantity of eggs is laid in the first and second years, after which there is a steady decline until the final exhaustion, which is generally in the seventh year. In the care of valuable stock, after laying well during the winter and becominp broody, it is wise to place in comfortable quarters and reduce the rations to induce an early moult, which, during the summer months, is an advantage to aU poultry. Future successes largely depends upon the treatment given during the summer months.