THE POULTRY YARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 241, 31 December 1927, Page 22

THE POULTRY YARD

(By

GEO. H. AMBLER)

IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY

Big Source of Revenue

Although the majority of the wives of farmers and a great many of the country storekeepers are convinced of the importance of poultry as a source of revenue, it is probable that they do not realise the value it is to the Dominion. That so little limelight, comparatively speaking, has been projected upon the poultry industry may be attributed to the fact that, for the most part, the management of the flocks has been left in the hands of the womenfolk, and has been regarded as a matter quite distinct from the ordinary operations.

It is likely, however, that if investigations were made it would be found in hundreds, and, perhaps thousands of instances, the eggs and birds marketed have contributed in no small degree to the income derived, and, in lean seasons, have proved a veritable financial bulwark.

Another reason for the general lack of knowledge of the value of the poultry industry to the country is considered by many to lie in the fact that at no time has it received from the Government the sympathetic appreciation and encouragement which it deserves. It is true that they have subsidised egg-laying competitions which have been conducted for many years at Papanui and Auckland, that breeding operations have also been carried on at the Government Experimental Farm at Ruakura. and that the services of experts have been available to the producers, but, in view of the magnitude of the wealth produced by the industry, it is felt that much more generous support should have been forthcoming. EXCELLENT CONDITIONS

Travellers from all parts of the globe thoroughly qualified to speak with authority on the subject have emphatically declared that in no other country in the world are the conditions so satisfactory for poultry-rear-ing and egg production as they are in New Zealand. Not only is the climate ideal for the purpose, but, in addition, we have available a very wide range of foods, which can be grown or purchased. That our expert poultrybreeders in knowledge and skill are second to none in the world has been demonstrated again and again, and it it a tribute to their success that breeders in the United Kingdom, Africa, and other countries both inside and outside the Empire, have frequently paid very high prices for birds raised here—birds which not only have given every satisfaction themselves, but have produced stock of admittedly marked superiority. UTILITY STOCK One of the most noteworthy aspects of the development of the poultry industry in New Zealand during recent years, has been the gratifying improvement brought about in the utility stock. Breeders have realised the necessity for maintaining the undoubtedly high standard of the fancy varieties, but at the same time they have shown a commendable appreciation of the desirableness of increasing the capabilities of the strictly utility types. EGG-LAYING COMPETITIONS In this connection they have been materially assisted by the various egglaying competitions, which, in a substantial measure, have been to the poultry industry what herd testing has been to the breeders of pure dairy cattle. Although other breeds have also commanded attention the greatest progress has been made with the White Leghorns and Black Orpingtons, with which really remarkable success has been achieved. ATTRACTIVE POSSIBILITIES Although it is a side-line on the farm that poultry keeping presents the most attractive possibilities, experience has clearly revealed that, properly managed it can be made a sound business proposition by itself. To secure maximum profits, at least five things are essential. The foundation stock must be of the best obtainable. The breeding must be carried out on wise lines. Plenty of food of the right kinds must be provided. The housing must be suitable, and the eggs must be marketed in first-class condition. It is a penny wise and pound foolish policy to neglect any of these matters. Having secured for the foundation of the flock birds from proved, heavyyielding strains, the subsequent matings should be arranged with a view not only to maintain, and, if possible, increase the capacity for egg production, but also to ensure that the eggs shall be of standard size and that the young birds shall not be deficient in constitution. Single testing, rigorous culling are all important, and unless they are systematically adopted, it is quite impossible for a breeder to climb to the top of the financial tree. The matter of feeding has been developed to almost a fine art. and any man or youth of average intelligence should have no difficulty in providing the birds with rations calculated to keep them in robust health and vigour, the while ensuring maximum egg production at the lowest possible cost. BETTER STOCK Were it not for the fact that the vast majority of the poultry on farms gather their own food, they would be of much less value than they are, because a very large percentage of them are relatively poor layers, and the eggs which they yield would not compensate for the cost of the food were it necessary to purchase all their requirements in the open market. It is pleasing, however, to observe that there is a growing tendency in the direction of keeping better stock, and it is not at all unusual now to find on ordinary farms birds which, both in type and productiveness, leave little to be desired. The owners of such flocks have found that first-class layers consume no more food than indifferent ones, and that the former produce approximately twice as many eggs as the latter. According to competent authorities the average fowl lays only about 150 eggs a year, whereas well-bred birds, from high-yielding stock. _ can be counted upon to produce 250 a year. At the present prices for poultry foods used by the commercial poultryfarmer the average profit a bird usually works out at 10s to 12s each. As a sideline on the farm or orchard there is a big future before poultry. MARKETS NEEDED To what extent the industry can be profitably expanded, however, must depend upon the cultivation of overseas markets. During the spring months there is always a surplus of eggs in New Zealand, and it therefore behoves both the Government and the producers to give this problem early and careful consideration.

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Nineteen twenty-seven has practically gone with all its successes and its disappointments, and on the threshold of 192 S I wish all my readers that time-honoured wish, “A Happy and Prosperous New Year.” Nothing, in my opinion, will conduce so much to the prosperity, and incidentally to the happiness, of the New Year as a careful and considered study of the detail involved in the business of poultry-keeping. Given this, together with a well-thought-out proposition and a careful choice of stock, whether it be eggs, chicks, or adult birds, it is possible to go further to-day than ever in the past, largely on account of the pioneer work which has been done by many of our keenest fanciers. If you do not keep anything but the best —it pays to cull —you will be smiling at the end of 1925. GENERAL NOTES ANCONAS There appears to be a large number of Ancona fanciers in different parts of the Dominion, and particularly in the South Island, who exhibit the breed m both fancy and utility classes, yet there is no club catering for this particular breed. Why this should be so I am at a loss to understand. Surely this is not for want of enthusiasm, as there are no more enthusiastic fanciers of anv breed than Messrs. Pearce, McNickle, Webb, and several other Ancona breeders in the Christchurch district, and Messrs. Page and Minter in Auckland.

During recent years our shows in New Zealand have gradually become more and more plain and sombre, not calculated to charm the general public when they view nothing but row after row of every-day looking black and white fowls. Shows are gradually losing tlieir hold on the public. Ancona breeders, by forming a strong club, could do much to further the interests of the fancy. There is just as much room for the hobbyist in poul-try-breeding as in the breeding of any other class of prize stock. The fancier has done excellent work. It is he who fixes breeds and cultures the exquisite, for which there will always bo a demand as long as people live, and it will be a sorry day for the human race when the delight in the beautiful becomes in any way eclipsed, because beautiful and artistic things, whether in stock, flowers or architecture, are powerful and influential upon character and are profoundly elevating.

The late Joseph Chamberlain sought recreation and pleasure in flowers, and, while exercising his bent, gave great pleasure and happiness to others. Many people enjoy a well-ordered flower garden, while others find an equal pleasure in cultivating cabbages and potatoes.

Joseph Partington, undoubtedly one of the greatest constructive poultrymen of our time, was an all-round artist, and took almost as much pride in his rose garden as he did in his poultry, but had he been living to-day I doubt if the modern layer would have presented any attractions for him. But all the same, his efforts were constructive because he stamped every breed he touched with his artistic craft. Take what he did for the Black Orpington breed, and though the features he fixed were not wholly utilitarian, they will remain characteristic of the breed as long as Black Orpingtons are bred. Joseph Partington placed a stamp upon the breed which will last just as long as the Orpington. The prophesies as to the decline of the poultry fancy have not as yet matured, and although the temperature may be somewhat lower, the fancy has sustained the challenge of the sprinting layer remarkably well. As evidence of this we have only to take into consideration the remarkable entries, in England, at the Dairy, Palace and Olympia, also Birmingham, Manchester, and such shows. At the half-a-dozen shows mentioned, well over 30,000 birds were exhibited—a striking testimony to the vitality of the fancy in England. PIGEONS AND CANARIES SOUTH ISLAND ASSOCIATION The 28tli annual meeting of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association, which was held at Timaru and opened by the deputymayor, was attended by delegates from all parts of the South Island. The annual report stated that the 1927 show season had been a very successful one. Thirty-two clubs were affiliated to the association. Record entries had been received by several societies, the Christchurch Club having attained a Dominion record with 3,019 entries. Prior to the show season all clubs and judges had been notified of the alteration of weights in the following breeds; Minorcas to be increased by Jib, Wyandottes Jib, Rhode Island Reds lib. The balance, sheet showed a credit balance of £217 7s lOd over liabilities. Several important remits were discussed, one being of especial interest to Auckland canary fanciers, viz., that the Harry Norman plates as submitted be adopted as standard types for the judging of Yorkshire and Norwich canaries. The remit was carried unanimously, and as the Norman plates have been adopted by the North Island Association there will be a uniform standard for the whole of the Dominion. The New Zealand Utility Club moved a remit that no president hold office for two consecutive years. The remit was lost.

It was decided to write to the New Zealand Poultry Association, asking it to make inquiries with reference to the New Zealand utility poultry standard, when the present issue was likely to be sold out, and to make arrangements before the annual conference if possible for a committee of experts of all branches of the poultry industry to go into the matter of the utility poultry standard.

The show dates for 1928 were allotted, as were the championships. Messrs. G. E. .Jeffries and R. Pearce were re-elected president and secretary respectively.

Messrs. Will. B. McKenzie, Wellington, and Geo. H. Ambler, Auckland, have been elected vice-presidents of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association.

Canary fanciers will regret to hear that Mr. E. Byers is in Auckland Hospital, suffering from an unfortunate

HINT ABOUT LILIUM BULBS There are now many fine varieties of liliums grown in Auckland and from now on clumps of these effective flowering bulbs will be seen in different gardens. The variety of colour and sweet perfume of the flowers, combined with their majestic growth, make them specially suitable for decorating the garden, house or conservatory. Very often clumps of these bulbs are seen to suddenly go off and the foliage droop and look sick, the stems turning brown. At this time of year it can nearly always be traced to dryness. Lilies grow under widely different conditions, and to obtain success in the garden with them we must, as far as possible, imitate these conditions. There is no doubt that lilies grow best in partial shade and cool atmosphere. They require some sun, but not the hot midday heat, and so readers who have them in this situation will do well to shift the bulbs next June. However, to prevent them burning off this season, soak well with water and place four or five inches of rotted manure or grass round the roots to keep the moisture in. If an occasional watering is given the bulbs will not suffer much this season, and the buds will break out in bloom and last much longer if so protected.

USEFUL VERANDAH PLANTS Two subjects of note are the asparagus plants. These are often called asparagus ferns, which is entirely wrong, as they do not belong to the fern family, but are bush or trailing shrubs. Asparagus plumosus is well known and used for trailing up verandah posts. This plant is a native of tropical countries and thrives in hot places, providing there is enough water. If this plant is allowed to become too dry the leaves turn yellow and immediately drop. Thus it is not so popular as a pot plant because it will not stand the neglect that is often meted out to these subjects. . Asparagus sprengeri is an ideal plant for growing in pots and hanging baskets, and many verandas are improved with its foliage. The plant hangs in graceful sprays of deep green, and if well manured they attain four to five feet in length. This, like its brother, requires plenty of moisture. If grown in baskets, should be plunged twice a week in a tub of water and allowed to soak for 20 minutes. It can then be allowed to drain properly before hanging up. Both varieties are gross feeders, and an application of table salt will stimulate their growth. Every month a liquid manure of ammonia and potash should be applied after watering. BACKWARD SWEET PEAS "Winter sweet peas that are backward in growth and have a yellow, sickly appearance, may be revived and helped along by the application of sulphate of ammonia. This may be drilled along the rows a few inches from the plants and watered well into the soil. Bo not apply stronger than loz per running yard at intervals of one week until the plants show signs of vigorous growth. This should only be used as a stimulant, and once the plant has revived no more applications are necessary. For a slug preventive sprinkle wood ashes and sand round the plants, as the pests will not cross a gritty surface.

ROSE APHIS

These insects are still fairly plentiful on the young growth of roses. Their mouths are furnished with a curiously constructed beak for sucking the juice of plants. The winter eggs, or larvae, lie dormant during the cold weather in crevices or in the trunks, or hidden underground on the roots of the host plants. As the warm weather approaches they crawl up the trunks, cluster round the leaf buds, and sticking their sharp beaks into the tissue, suck the sap. Spray with tobacco water or blackleaf 40, li teaspoonfuls per gallon of soapy water.

SOW WINTER SWEET PEAS

No flowering plant gives greater return for labour than the sweet pea. lhe first step in preparing for a harvest of this bloom is to look for an easterly position, sheltered from wind where the early sun will push life into the plants.

To grow sweet peas (either springflowering or winter-flowering) to advantage, trench the ground thoroughly and work some good, well-rotted cow manure properly into the soil. A good plan is to trench from 2£ to 3ft deep putting in a layer of manure, then a layer of soil every Gin, but allowing at least ISin of soil between the topmost layer of manure and the surface.

Before sowing the seed give the ground a good soaking. Where wellrotted cow manure is not available, use a mixture of bone dust and superphosphates or special sweet pea manure. The young seedlings can either be raised in boxes or the seed sown where the plants are to remain, or, better still, in order to be certain 110 misses, the seed can be sown thickly and thinned out, the other plants being transplanted when large enough to handle conveniently. Allow from 15 to ISin between the winter-flowering sorts. When grown close together, they appear to afford each other a certain amount of protection against frosts during the winter. When the plants are large enough, tie to a trellis or wire-netting, on which to climb.

Do not mix the lime with the manure, but sprinkle it lightly on the ground when the plants break through. It helps to get rid of vermin.

Before planting seeds dip them in luke-warm water for half an hour to aid germination. If this is done do not ■water for a few days. Too much moisture causes rotting, and also attracts plant-lice. Sow the seeds an inch deep in light soil, and half an inch deep in heavy soil. If show blooms are the objective, at least loin between each seed. For private gardeners who require a massed show, such extensive thinning out is not necessary. The peas may be trained on three stems, keeping the side growths pinched out from these as they grow. Sow the seed as early as possible. If the soil is not quite ready in time, sow the seed in pots. When the plants are a few inches high they can be handled quite easily, and if care is taken to get a good knob of earth with each seedling, there will be no noticeable check. One thing to be avoided is overhead watering, and do not spray the foliage while the sun is up. That causes scorching and yellowing. Should rust develop, clip off the foliage and burn it. Picking the flowers with long stalks and not allowing seed to set will ensure flowering for many extra weeks.

FIGHTING INSECT PESTS

tern Aphis.—The small green fern aphids are exceedingly numerous on the Joung fronds of Adiantum (■maidenhair fern) at the present time. They cause the young shoots to shrivel up. Spray thoroughly with nicotine sulphate or black-leaf 40. Mealy Bugs on Aspidistras, Palms, Orchids and Ferns.—These mealvlookmg insects are always in fair numbers during the warm weather. They are easily controlled bv anv of the tobacco sprays such as ‘nicotine sulphate or black-leaf 40. Scales on Palms and Aspidistras.— Examine palms and aspidistras, as the young scales will be moving. v Vv lien the young scales arc noticed,

spray with nicotine sulphate or blackleaf 40. Thrips on Ferns and Orchids.— These insects become more troublesome as the weather becomes warmer. Spray underside of leaves thoroughly with nicotine sulphate or black-leaf 40. Cyclamen Aphids.—lt will be necessary to keep a look-out for these troublesome insects which congregate in fair numbers on the stems and flowers of cyclamens grown in glasshouses. Spray with nicotine sulphate or black-leaf 40.