THE POULTRY YARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 206, 19 November 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

THE POULTRY YARD

By

Geo. H. AMBLER

BUILDING UP A STRAIN One-Line Breeding A FEW simple rules, the principles of which are as yet but imperfectly understood, govern present-day breeding. As time goes on, and more scientific light is let in on the subject, modifications will be made. The Mendel theory is making headway, becoming in the main more generally known, and cannot fail to have influence more in the future than it does now. And other theories of a practical nature will, with study and research, in course of time be sprung upon the fancy. Their general effect may be to get better birds from less extensive breeding. But they will not alter the great trunk principle that like begets like, though they may show how to get it in a less roundabout and more certain way than at present.

TJUT we can see for ourselves that unlike cannot beget like, as when the parents are not alike. A Hamburg crossed with a Silkie could betget

neither a Hamburgh nor a Silkie. When we come into the zone of high-class breeding we have to carry this principle to the very utmost of our power. This is done by means of strain. THE VALUE OF PEDIGREE Strain means practically pedigree, and pedigree is the building up, through successive generations, the proclivity to throw certain points that we require. Let us suppose that in the making of a new breed, two men start and work separately and secretly for ten years. Neither knows how the other is proceeding. One man, perhaps, strikes soon the required colour, but shape troubles him much. The other gets the shape with comparative ease, but the colour gives any amount of trouble. So they go on till they have both a reasonable measure of success, in both colour and shape. But again, head points to the one present difficulty, to the other tail points. All this arises because both started differently. Possibly they used different crosses, but kept before each the same standard. Let us suppose at the end of ten years these rivals are on level terms, and can outstrip everybody else. It will be apparent that they have two quite different strains, that when each produces a champion that champion has nevertheless within him certain tendencies to weakness not apparent on the surface. In other words his merits are partly solid and partly veneer. The weak points will not be the same in each bird. If they were exactly contrary in each, we might suppose a cross between the two would establish a stronger strain of higher merit than ever. This is, however, one strong fact to be considered. The union of two such birds seem to let loose all the old Adam within them, and such an outcross, as it is called, may produce the roughest of the rough stuff, but will come in very useful in a generation or two, and be a solid benefit. WHAT ABOUT WEAKNESSES? Where shall we find two strains with the weak points of the one the antithesis of those of the other? Some weak points overlap, and then these are emphasised four or more fold in the offspring, and may take generations to get rid of. Let us try to imagine that man buys here and there and all over, and sets up a breeding pen half a dozen strains. What can he possibly expect?

Act this is mostly what novices do from choice, and professional exhibitors who have annually to buy their teams from necessity. Consequently the latter have to go on buying year after year, for they seldom breed a champion, unless, in one or two varieties, they form a strain of their own. An old breeder knows better than to go to “anybody” when he -wants fresh blood. Rather does he go to some old and reliable customer of his and get back birds from his own strain. How can we produce a strain that will last a number of years without fresh blood? Briefly, two birds, male and female, are taken for a start. The produce is half and half of the parents, the daughters are put to- the father, and one of the sons to the mother. The produce is in one case three-quarters father, in the other three-quarters mother. Now the grand-daughters are returned to the grandfather and grandson to the grandmother. The produce is now seven-eighths of the original cock, and seven-eighths of the original hen. At this juncture a little blood may be interchanged from both as may be thought necessary, and the same kind of mating continues again for a generation or two. Should at any time the two sides be brought into direct contact, a cockerel of one side, mated to a pullet of the other side, the relationship must be about the same as when the first pair of the strain was mated. And as the original pair were perhaps in no way related, it is evident at the end of the number of years the strain we have is constitutionally strong. FAMILY RELATIONSHIP

The mating of father and daughter in no way seems to weaken the stamina, as such incestuous matings as brother and sister do. The reason that inbreeding, as it is called, is often weakening is that it is done indiscriminately after no acknowledged method. And it must be allowed that such mating 3 are often highly disastrous at times. Line breeding, however, as described is a preservative of characteristics’ while no damage is done to constitution.

There are other points to be observed in breeding beside strain. It seems always advisable not to mate old birds together, nor yet young ones. A young cockerel, well matured, with two-year-old hens, and a two-year-old cock, with pullets, give good results. The former to be much preferred for this reason. We want early birds to meet early shows. Old birds, that is two-year-old cocks, may or may not answer the call. In high, bleak, exposed localities, or in the older varieties of fowls, that have unfortunately been somewhat carelessly mated, a two-year-old cock may not breed at all. While one will another will not. Alas! if he will not[ there go all the early chickens. It is trying when you have a cock that will breed only in the warm weather, when it is too late to set eggs. Always use a cockerel and hens for early work if you can. Later on you may try a cock. If he fails, he wastes your time and money. Thei'efore he should only be used as a side line. A GOLDEN RULE

Never breed from a bird that has been deeply ailing. Birds can be patched up. They will brighten up a bit in spring, the natural time of the year for breeding, and yet the disease is still so deeply rooted in them that, against all appearances, you may find them at any moment dead. It is hard lines to have to discard one’s best bird. T t is, better, however, to realise one’s loss early than later, when the chickens come feeble and unable to endure to the adult stage, or when they have arrived at that stage the first breath of adverse weather or infection carries off the lot. It will be seen that considerable acumen, knowledge and common sense must be brought to bear before successful breeding can result. It may, of course, in the initial stages of forming a breed, be desirable to go in for alien blood altogether, birds of another breed. But this can never be done when a breed is well established without losing ground considerably, and such an introduction of foreign blood may leave such injurious traits that to eradicate them may take a lifetime.

GENERAL NOTES Hatching for the Million An incubator with a capacity of half-a-million eggs has recently been installed at Petaluma, California, in the world’s largest chicken hatching plant. This great new hatchery is electric throughout. The plant will be able to ship 25,000 baby chicks daily—three millions in a single season. Thirty of the largest egg farms in the vicinity are kept busy supplying eggs for the hatchery. Who said poultry-keeping was a dying industry? AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT; Mr. R. S. Higginbotham, Henderson, is experimenting with several broods of Black Orpington and White Leghorn chickens. The chickens were put from the incubator straight into three recently built and specially designed houses, where they are being reared on the intensive system. They will be kept exclusively in the same houses and trap-nested until they finish their first laying season. We noticed Mr. Higginbotham was wisely rearing his chickens on the dry mash system. It is with special interest that we shall watch the results of his experiment. IMPORTATIONS Mr. G. Palmer, one of the life members of the Christchurch Poultry Club, has imported a pen of Brown Leghorns from a leading Canadian breeder. In Canada and America separate classes are provided for light and dark hackles, whereas in New Zealand classes are judged according to the English standard which allows only the one shade of hackle. The Canadian Leghorns are also a slightly different type from our New Zealand birds and it will be interesting to see how the progeny compare with the local stock. The birds are from good laying stock and no doubt they will prove their worth in that direction. ANNUAL CONFERENCE The writer has received the agenda paper for the annual conference of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association to be held at Timaru on December 8. The treasurer’s report shows the association to be in a sound financial position, its assets being £229 19s lOd and its liabilities £l2 12s for championships. The receipts fo.r the past year was £285 18s 5d and the expenditure £7O ISs 7d, leaving a credit balance of £2OB 19s lOd. Thirteen remits, several of which are of an interesting nature, have been submitted for discussion by the conference. Thirty-two clubs are affiliated to the association, 23 of which are holding their jubilee show during the coming year. The South Island Association set an example which could well be followed with much success by the North Island Association, as the latter body religiously holds all its meetings at Palmerston North. One never sees an agenda paper either. PERSONAL NOTES

Mr. Minter, Birkdale, who is a keen Ancona fancier, has, this season, hatched nearly 300 of his favourites. He tells us there has been a keen demand for Ancona during the past breeding season. The Ancona is one of our hardiest breeds, a wonderful layer and a fine table bird. This breed needs a push along and we would advise Mr. Minter to give them a run at next season’s local shows.

Mr. Lyall, Glen Eden, who usually keeps about 350 head of poultry, has close upon 200 beautiful White Leghorn and Black Orpington chickens. His farm is an ideal spot for poultrykeeping, being free from frosts and well sheltered from the prevailing winds by a fine belt of pine trees. From his poultry pens one has a wonderful view of the surrounding district. Judging from the fine show of flowers one would imagine Mrs. Lyall to be a florist of ho mean order. In several of the chicken pens we noticed many of the chicks taking advantage of the shrubs to protect themselves from the sun.

Miss Ambler, Glen Eden, has received a further order from Canterbury for several White Leghorn cockerels, to be delivered early in the New Year.

Mr. A. V. Hanson, Mount Albert, who for some time has been a most successful breeder and exhibitor of Black Mino.rcas, has a fine healthy lot of forward Minocra chickens, all bred from his winners. Mr. Hanson expects some of them will make the pace hot when the show season comes round.

Mr. Dan Lysaght, of Christchurch, who has done so much to keep several of the old breeds alive in the Dominion, has had a run of bad luck. Dogs got into his yards and destroyed his Light Brahma cock, which was heading his breeding pen. A couple of days later the dogs returned and killed his two best Golden Pencilled Hamburgh pullets which were in his breeding pen. Mr. Lysaght recently purchased a breeding pen of White Crested Black Polish, thus adding another variety to his already long list.

Mr. J. G. Geaton, Christchurch, who met his death during the past week under tragic circumstances, was a prominent breeder and exhibitor of Silver Wyandottes and well known to several Auckland fanciers. Mr. Geaton took an active part in the work of the Christchurch Poultry Club, and his assistance will be missed by the club. To his sorrowing relatives we tender our heartfelt sympathy. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS “Sea view.”—From the symptoms you describe your chickens are suffering from cramp, probably due to running in damp grass. It is most important for such birds to be allowed to hobble out of doors. Hard floors and green houses are also provocative or cramp. Treatment: One teaspoonful of salicylate of soda in each halfpint of drinking water, one teaspoonful of cod liver oil to each six chicks (double dose if over two weeks old) at least twice a day well mixed with soft food, preferably bread and rich milk. Green food ad lib. Paint outside of shank with iodine for three days if required. Encourage the chicks to take exercise by spare feeding.

Leghorn.—Thanks for complimentary remarks. I always try to answer my correspondents fully. It is a consideration they are entitled to. Your samples for inspection, which have been forwarded on to me, arrived too late for reply in this week’s issue and will be dealt with next week.

Fattening Ducks.—The secret of success in rearing table birds lies in the feeding; almost everyone follows a different formula. To get your ducks ready for Christmas we would advise you to feed them solely on fatforming foods such as ground oats, maize meal and wheatmeal. equal parts of each; a small quantity of beef or mutton fat will prove useful. For grain feed boiled maize or wheat is good. You will have little hope of success by using bran and sharps, as so many of the samples are of such poor quality. Let your ducks have plenty of grit.

FRESH AIR Now that we are into October, there should not be the need for housing the young chicks, for the coop or the foster-mother can be put right out in tho open, yet just shielded by a hedge or hill from the worst winds. Chicks are always better when given a fresh-air treatment, but during the early season one is apt to become nervous and put the coop under a shed or in a house, but by this time there is no need even for that. When put out for the first day or two it is advisable to put a small run round the coop, so that the chicks cannot get too far away; then they get accustomed to the coop and the hen. and after will respond to her call in case of trouble. Should you be near any bush there may be danger from hawks; but if the hen sees one she soon utters a cry which the young-: sters understand, and they fly off to her for protection.

Value of Strippings.—Dairy farmers who do not take the trouble to strip their cows out thoroughly are advised by an American expert to save a glassful of the first milk obtained in milking to compare with a glassful of the strippings, or the very last milk drawn. What difference in colour would be noted ? The milker should see that the two glasses eontain the same height of milk in each, and then place in a cool room for from 24 hours to two days for the cream to rise; then measure the height of cream in each. The result will show the value of the strippings.

Leading English Jerseys.—At the last council meeting: of the English Jersey Society it was reported that 356 cows were undergoing register of merit test in England, that number being drawn from the list of 70 breeders. Some of the leading records are: Pearcelands Eileen 4th, 361 days, 11,445$ milk lb, 522.70 butter-fat lb, 4.57 per cent; Merry Jest, 355$ days, 11,329! milk lb, 651.90 butter-fat lb, 5.75 per cent.; So Gay, 360$ days, 11,021$ milk lb, 522,67 butter-fat lb, 4.74 per cent.; Fairy of Eversley, 356$ days, 11,588$ milk lb, 614.38 butter-fat lb, 5.32 per cent.; Wotton Sandmaiden, 345$ days, 11,764$ milk lb, 663.96 butter-fat lb, 5.64 per cent.; Demure Princess, 360$ days. 14,5632 milk lb, 630.75 butter-fat lb, 4.33 per cent.; Eingen Ducky Lassie, 361 days, 12,029 milk lb, 681.66 butterfat lb 5.67 per cent. | ' ~~ THE BROODY HEN HOW TO CARE FOR HER This is undoubtedly one of the most vexing matters which confront the poultry-keeper. Every season hatches are ruined in every yard, and where hens are solely depended on for hatching purposes, a season is often wasted through the waywardness of the broody hen. This may be due, to some extent, to the loss of temper on the part of the poultry-keeper rather than to the inability on the part of the hens. When you find a hen standing on her eggs or busily employed scratching among the nesting material, do not proceed to improve matters by chasing the hen round or by throwing something at it. but remove it gently, and, after rearranging the nest, substitute another hen. But to begin at the beginning. Always select a rather dark shed or house as a broody house. The nests can be ma'3 out of boxes. In the winter and spring the best nesting material will be dry soil, well beaten down, and covered with hay. Let it be of the saucer shape, avoiding too great a dip. In summer the soil may be slightly damp, but do not use freshlycut turf, the sight of -rass may cause the hen to scratch. Select the Hen Having made the nest, the hen may now be selected. A medium-sized fowl will be found most useful, almost any bird with a touch of game blood in it will prove a good sitter. The very heavy bird should be avoided, and a clean-legged bird is more suitable than a feather-legged. Give the hen a good dusting with insect powder, and see that it is free from any suspicion of scaly leg. You may save trouble by setting two hens at the same time; in case of accidents, the eggs could then be transferred. The number of eggs set during the winter and spring months should not exceed twelve for even the largest hen. In summer the number may be up to fifteen. Give Her a Trial The hen should be tried for two days on nest eggs, and if her conduct is satisfactory, the eggs may be gently inserted on the evening of the second day. The feeding of the broody hen is an extremely simple matter; let it consist solely of kibbled maize, keeping green food, in the shape of a split swede or a cabbage, always before her. Grit and clean water must always be before her, and a dust-bath should be allowed every second day. The best time for feeding is the early morning, and the time allowed off the nest during the cold weather should not exceed five minutes the first w ek, ten the second, and fifteen the third; In warmer weather the time may be lengthened, but do not allow the eggs to become chilled. On the seventh day of incubation the eggs may be tested and unfertiles removed; this may enable you to put the two settings together, and reset the second hen. The eggs removed will form an admirable chicken food if mixed with a good chicken meal. During incubation the hen should be interfered with as little as possible, and on the twenty-first day should not be allowed off the nest.

In case of broken eggs, wash all soiled eggs in lukewarm water, and replace the hay. After hatching it will be well to leave the chicks in the nest until they are about 24 hours old; at this age they will be fairly strong on the leg, and may be removed to the chick coop. A question which -ften troubles the novice is that of persuading a broody to take day-old chickens. This may easily be done by allowing the hen to sit a few days and putting the chicks under it at night time. Watch the Strangers Take every care with bought broodies. See that they do not introtroduce insects and disease germs into th© hitherto clean yard; just a little care may save a lot of loss and worrv. I have seen one or two poultry plants absolutely wrecked and put out of the business altogether through a bought broody’s introducing diphtheria and spreading it broadcast among the flock. AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT Mr. R. S. Higginbotham, Henderson, is experimenting with several broods of Black Orpington and White Leghorn chickens. The chickens were put from the incubator straight into three recently built and specially designed houses, where they are being reared on the intensive system. They will be kept exclusively in the same houses and trap-nested until they finish their first laying season. W r e noticed Mr. Higginbotham was wisely rearing his chickens on the dry mash system. It is with especial interest that we shall watch the results of his experi- | ment.