THE POULTRY YARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 246, 7 January 1928, Page 24

THE POULTRY YARD

(By

GEO. H. AM BEER)

NEXT WINTER’S LAYERS

How to Get Eggs While Prices Are High

WINTER eggs are desired by all poultry-keepers. The greatest profit in market-egg production lies in the selling of winter eggs. Now is the time to prepare for those highpriced eggs. Many people allow their pullets to grow through the summer without any special care, simply letting them shift for themselves, and then wonder why they do not get winter eggs.

TN order to get the pullets to start to I A lay at the proper time, and to con- | tinue laying throughout the winter, they must have been hatched from the beginning of September to mid-October. Earlier than this date they will start laying in February and March, lay for awhile and then moult, and will be little better than two-year-old hens, as far as early winter laying is concerned. Pullets hatched any time from the beginning of September to end of October seem to reach the laying age about April, and gradually arrive at good laying condition by the time cool weather comes in May and June, and just at the time when eggs reach the highest price. RIGHT BREEDING Several important things must be taken into consideration to bring about this early laying in-pullets. They must be bred from stock that has been known to be heavy egg-producers. Pullets that come from a healthy line of stock that for generations have been kept under sanitary conditions and fed so as normally to develop all functions of the body, will make better layers than healthy pullets from stock that has been kept in dirty quarters, and largely allowed to shift for themselves. One may be as hardy and vigorous as the other, yet in the well-kept flock the function of laying has become a functional structure. The birds have organisms, because they have the functional formation for growing them well developed—they have the laying trait. On the other hand, these pullets, bred from neglected stock, not kept under sanitary conditions or fed for the best development of the body, may be as vigorous as we desire, and yet lack the productive power. They are moderate layers; some few may be good layers, vet laying is not an inherited trait, because it has not been passed down to them by their ancestors. If they are so fed that every bodily requirement is met, they will lay all the; eggs they are capable of, but no amount of food will induce them to increase their production.

WHY FEEDING IS IMPORTANT We know that unless pullets are properly fed they will not lay. Food has as much influence as any other element, and perhaps more, as, without food life cannot be sustained, and without life there could he no laying. On the other hand, with food, life can be sustained even when other conditions are bad and no eggs produced. When we feed for eggs, then we simply feed for health and to build up*the body of the pullet without producing abnormal conditions. If we supply the elements demanded by the body, we also supply those necessary for egg formation. The egg germ is fed by the blood of the hen, and if she is in a perfectly healthy condition she will have an abundance of rich blood. There is no necessity for figuring the chemical elements in the egg and attempting to supply these same elements in the food. If the pullet receives what her body demands she will lay all the eggs Nature has endowed her with. WHY VARIETY Some may wonder why it is necessary to supply such a variety of food, animal, vegetable and cereal, and why properlybalanced rations are necessary. It Is because all these elements are necessary to sustain a pullet in health, and they are just as necessary when a pullet is not laying as they are when she is in the flush of laying, though many people do not agree with this idea. When pullets are not laying they deem any food grod enough, but it is a mistake. It is true a pullet consumes more food when laying then when not. On the same plan a horse requires more food when at heavy work than when standing in the stall in idleness. When pullets have been given what we believe to be an egg-producing ration, and have failed to respond, we have found the addition of green food to the ration, or some simple thing in the way of care, will start them laying when food and condiments failed. If the hen were a machine and converted her food into eggs, as is largely supposed, then the same ration, given in the same quantity, would be effectual at all times and under all conditions. The hen would lay as well at one season as another, with the exception, perhaps, of the time of moulting. This we know Is not the case. A certain ration may produce excellent results with one flock for a time, while with other flocks it ‘ll not prove satisfactory. METHODS OF FEEDING

We find as many methods of feeding as we find poultrymen, each one finding his particular method of special advantage, which, to his mind, places it ahead and beyond all others. Most poultry-keepers feed differently in summer than in winter, and it is right that they should. The health of the fowls demands it. Rations that are successful with some give poor results with others. This is all due to conditions surrounding the fowls, methods of handling and the like. In the spring everything in the vegetable and animal kingdoms buds into new life, and the instinct to lay is then the most dominant in the hen. She will lay regardless of her bodily condition, unless it is such that she positively cannot. She draws on her body to support at least a few egg germs. If her bodily condition is good, she may lay quite a number of eggs, even though the food supplied her : scanty and poor; that is, if she has inherited these organisms to a marked degree, but if she has not, she will lay but a few eggs. In case her food and environment are good she will go on producing them at infrequent intervals during the summer. UNNATURAL CONDITIONS

Pullets kept in the laying house during the winter are placed under unnatural conditions, and thus it is necessary for the poultryman to supply all the elements that will be needed for egg production, and also to induce exercise by practical methods at hand. There is no more satisfactory way in which to promote vigorous exercise than by getting the hens interested in something that will keep them busy. Tne only appeal that can be made to them is through their food. Scatter the scratch grain in deep litter—eight or ten inches deep—composed of dry oat or wheat straw. See that the straw rattles and be sure the grnir sifts down through the straw and d -es not lie on top, as is the case with a damp litter. If the fowls are allowed to obtain the scratch grain without any effort on their part, they will clean it up quickly and hop upon the perch and quietly await the next meal. PULLETS NEED EXERCISE

Exercise is not only necessary in the winter but equally as beneficial in the summer. Pullets that are grown on a large range will develop more rapidly than those which are yarded. Those that are allowed free range will find a large amount of their food on the ground over which they roam during the day. They will find animal food, such as worm, and the like. Tills, added to the green food, grain, seeds

and grit gathered by the fowl, gives a balanced ration, ideal for bringing forth early egg producers. In order to bring these conditions about for the yarded pullets, it is necessary to supply these food elements in the form of meat-meal, milk, green food and grit, with a properly-bal-anced ration, likewise a spaded yard or deep litter to scratch in for the grain.

GENERAL NOTES The Christchurch Poultry Club is more than a mere fanciers’ club for the running of its annual show. For several seasons the executive has bought stocks of wheat for distribution among club members. At the last meeting several quotations for i wheat were received from growers, one in particular being from Mr. Bryant, of Tinwald, asking the club to make an offer for 1,500 bushels. “THE BANTAMS DOWN TO DATE” This is the title of a good American book on bantams, published by th. Item Publishing Company, Sellersville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., for two dollars or eight shillings. It provides a large number of illustrations and a detailed description of the colours, types and standard points of practically every variety. It is written by Mr. Joseph Shakespeare, and he gives much useful advice on breeding, housing, feeding and management. Altogether a very useful book. SALES AT CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW Judging from the price paid for birds at the recent Crystal Palace Show it is quite evident there is money in breeding fancy poultry in England. Lord Dewar’s breeding trio of White Wyandottes realised £6O; Mr. J. S. Hepburn’s trio of Indian Game, : £3O; Messrs. Isherwoods’ third-prize Barnevelder pullet, £10; Mr. R. Field’s second-prize Barnevelder, £l2 10s. Several other birds of this variety being sold from £5 to £7 10s. Lord Dewar’s first-prize (selling class) Minorca pullet, £5; Mir. E. Stevens's first-prize black Bresse cockerel, £5 ss. Messrs. Wright Brothers’ winning Black Pekin Bantam, £10; Mrs. Paul’s White Turkey cockerel and hen, £l2 12s. The Champion Challenge Shield, together with several other cups and trophies for best cock and cockerel, in show, was awarded to Mr. Lawrence Arden’s Indian Game cockerel. The trophy for best hen or pullet going tq Mr. Fish’s Silver Sebright bantam hen.

WHY THE NOVICE FAILS The reasons are numerous. As a rule he possesses too many conceits. He thinks he knows from six months’ experience as much as others with years of hard study and practice in poultry matters. He boasts that his birds are better than those of anyone else. Prides himself that he can judge a class of birds quite as well, if not better than the judge. The preparation of his birds forms a stumblingblock; the birds are consequently very poorly shown, and in many cases only half washed. When the novice is beaten, the exclamation, “Luck!” must necessarily follow, and he is soon disheartened at losing. Then, again, he will not as a rule listen to any advice that is given. Several breeds, too, are probably kept, and no judgment ever displayed in the entering of the birds at shows. Any of the above conceits or delusions must be absolutely put on one side if the backyarder is to obtain success in his hobby.

CANARY NOTES RECORD ENTRIES Canary shows in the United Kingdom are having a boom, most societies having had record entries. From reports in English papers devoted to canaries it appears the type of the birds has also improved, with the result that birds are now being shown well nigh perfect. In a letter received recently by Mr. Moore, Auckland, from Mr. A. W. Smith, of Crystal Palace fame, the latter states that the birds at the recent Southern national Show were really wonderful, particularly the Yorkshires exhibited by that wellknown breeder, Mr. H. James, who won special for best in show, also special best unflighted bird in show. Mr. Smith states that the carriage of these birds was superior to anything previously seen.

SOME BUYING AND SELLING A writer in “Cage Birds” credits Mr. Grant, the noted Scottish Norwich fancier, with buying a hen in Buckie Show for £l. Th© following season he reared eight youngsters from her and sold them for £l2O. Evidently the Scottish instinct for a bargain was a strong feature in Mt. Grant. WELL-APPOINTED BIRD ROOM The writer recently paid a visit to Mr. E. Byers, who has recently changed his address. Mr. Byers has built a new birdroom, which is somewhat larger than his old one. The new room has a pleasant aspect and, with its design and appointments, ranks with the best in Auckland. Mr. Byers has had a good season and several youngsters are already showing signs of exceptional merit and will, no doubt, be hard to beat in the respective classes.

PERSONAL NOTES SUCCESS OF A BACKYARDER One of the most successful competitors in the laying tests and exhibitor in the utility White Leghorn classes in England is Mr. Richard Rodwell. Mr. Rodwell has shown that there is no royal road or even silver spoon necessary. “Dick,” as he is known to the writer, has reached the top by sheer merit, having commenced his career with birds bred in a backyard. When Mr. Rodwell first entered the show pen few who did not know him personally ever dreamed that his stock was being bred and reared in a little back yard in Kelson. Some little time ago Mr. Rodwell gave up his work and has now gone in for poultry farming on an extensive scale. His success should be an incentive to our small poultry-keepers in New Zealand. Mr. R. Pearce, secretary of the South Island Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association, informs me he has had a good rearing season and has soni© of the most promising Black Leghorn and Ancona chickens he ever had. In one lot he has 43 pullets and 37 cockerels and hopes to have a few

ARE PLANTS AND ANIMALS ALIKE? Much discussion has taken place about the members of the animal world and their similarity to members of the vegetable kingdom and how alike they are in many respects. Plants and animals agree in the essential necessities of life. Both show nutrition and the distribution of food through the body. Both show digestive organs and breathing faculties. Some may say, how about the feeling that animals display and which is not conspicuous in plants. Yet when we begin to think of leaves rising and falling, of flowers opening and shutting with the dawn and close of day, we see that there is much movement. When we find the way stems bend to the light and see how roots make for moisture, we discover there is much feeling in plant life. Like animals .every plant is adapted to its own station in life and in its adaptation we see the outcome of the same struggle for existence and the necessary qualities as in the animal

winners among them. Mr. Pearce wishes to be remembered to his Auckland friends. Canary fanciers will be pleased to hear that Mj-. Griffiths, THE SUN'S Gardening Expert, has taken up canary breeding. Should Mr. Griffiths attain the same success in breeding canaries as he has done in horticulture, he will be a valuable asset to the fancy. We feel sure Mr. Tom Brown, the genial president of the Auckland Canary Club, and Mr. Moore; secretary of the Yorkshire Club, will see that Mr. Griffiths is soon past the novice stage. Mr. J. O. Law, Gordonton, reports a good hatching season, but has suffered heavy losses through the depredation of hawks which have taken over 60 per cent, of his young stock. Fanciers will be pleased to hear that Mr. Law is at present enjoying better health than for some time. During a conversation a few days ago with that well-known Game enthusiast, Mr. Boswell, Otahuhu, he informed me that he has had a good hatching season and has some very promising young stock. Mr. Boswell is a keen critic and will have only the best, and judging from his remarks his birds will again be hard to beat at show time. Mr. Boswell is looking forward to taking a team down to Christchurch Show in June. Fanciers will regret to hear that Mr. J. Mitchell, the well-known Game specialist, is lying seriously ill in hospital. Mr. Mitchell recently purchased Mr. A. G. Brown’s poultry farm at Awamoa. All fanciers will wish Mr. Mitchell a speedy recovery to health. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT INSECTS IN POULTRY HOUSE G. M. Simpson.—The best thing you can do to clear your poultry house of all insect pests is to thoroughly dress it. getting into all nooks and crevices with ''Yama" disinfectant. If vou do this you will not be troubled with them. All poultry houses and coops should be sprayed regularly, particularly in the summer, when insects and mite increase rapidly.

THINNING TOMATO GROWTH SUMMER TREATMENT The pinching out of all unnecessary growth and side shoots of tomatoes is an important operation. All laterals or shoots which arise in the axils of the leaves on the main stem should be pinched out as soon as they are formed. This stops the plants feeding a lot of useless growth and sends the strength into the fruit spurs. For outside tomatoes five bunches of fruit to one plant is sufficient and any more should be cut away if good bunches are required. When the five bunches have appeared, pinch out the terminal bud and keep all side shoots cut out as they appear. Pollination. —Often people see with dismay quantities of flowers dropping off their vines. This may be caused through drought or non-fertilisation. To assist pollination go over the plants with a camel-haired brush gently touching the blossoms and so assist Nature in its work and help the fruit to set. Manuring.—Tomatoes require a cer-

tain amount of water, but should be free from excessive moisture as this is injurious to them. As the fruit is set the plants should receive a dressing of potash applied to the soil round the plant and watered in. This stimulates the growth and gives size and colour to the fruit. Potash is certainly most essential in their treatment. Avoid giving the plants too much nirogen as this weakens the growth and makes them very susceptible to the blight. THE SCARBOROUGH LILY (YALLOTA PURPUREA) Few plants are more widely grown than the Scarborough lily, and yet a great many people are not entirely successful with this beautiful flower. Frequently the production of blooms is far below that which ought to be the case and young bulbs are slow to come to maturity. Everyone who -wishes -to succeed with the Scarborough lilyshould pay attention to a few special points. Let the soil be composed of good fibrous loam, leaf-mould and sand in equal parts. The bulbs should always be placed some inches below the level of the surface soil and, before filling in, it is well to surround them completely with sand. Press the mould firmly round the bulb, as this makes a strong root growth and has a tendency to force its way upwards. Now is the best time for plant- ! ing a fresh stock, when the roots of the bulbs are most active and before the flower stems have been sent up. Vallotas dislike frequent removals, and the finest displays of blossoms are always from those bulbs which have been undisturbed for a long while. A topdressing of fresh soil with occasional soakings of weak manure during the growing season will prove beneficial. In the winter the plants should be allowed to dry off to a considerable extent, and at all times, the maximum amount of sunshine is essential for the free production of flowers. By- careful attention the Scarborough lily' may be induced to flower with much greater freedom than is often the case. The bulbs produce offsets freely', and these should be removed with a stick to avoid disturbing the main roots.

CLEMATIS INDIVISA THE ENTIRE-LEAFED CLEMATIS Of all native creepers of New Zealand none is as popular as the clematis. There are about nine species found on both islands, one of the most handsome being C. Indivisa. The foliage is of a thick, glossy, green colour and the flowers pure white, the sepals acting as protective and attrac4jve organs. It is referred to by the Maoris of the North Island as the sacred flower (Pua-wanangal. A very rapid grower, it soon climbs up the

trunk of a tree and hangs in festoons of starry white flowers, which change into feathery crowns of seed equally as beautiful as the flower. The variety grows splendidly in Auckland, and very little cultivation is necessary. Set the young plants during the spring and water well until struck. One plant is all that is needed, for once established they can easily be propagated by cuttings of side shoots. SOWING OF SCHIZANTHUS This is a half-hardy annual, and should be treated as such from the seedling to the flowering stage. It is an easy plant to grow, and on this account, perhaps, in early culture was not attended with the success that the beauty of the plant deserved. During recent years the strains have been greatly improved, and we now possess some very beautiful ones, the richness of the flowers fully warranting their being called butterfly flowers. The present is a suitable time for seed sowing. Sow the seed in a shallow pan well drained and filled with a compost of fibrous loam, leaf-soil and coarse sand or old mortar rubble reduced to a fine powder, then it can be evenly mixed with the soil. Level the soil in the pan. then water it and sow the seeds evenly. Cover them lightly with fine soil, but do not water afterwards. Simply place a square of glass and some brown paper on the pan. keeping the latter in a frame or on a shelf in a greenhouse until the seeds have germinated. Then gradually expose the seedlings to the full light and admit plenty of air. The first transplanting should be done into shallow boxes or trays; set the plants two inches apart so as to make good bushy plants. Keep well watered and place boxes in a sheltered spot until ready for setting into their permanent position.

STARTING CYCLAMEN BULBS At present last season’s cyclamen cormes are still lying dormant in their pots and if early flowers are expected they should be started into growth at once. Cyclamen that were bedded out last season should be lifted and the soil carefully removed from the roots and boxed off into a good mixture of leaf mould and coarse sand. Frequent waterings should then take place once the growing period has started. They should never be allowed to become dry. When the new growth and roots have established themselves they can be again bedded out into their proper place. Cyclamen still in last year’s pots should be stood upright in a bucket of water to soak for 10 minutes and then placed in a cool spot and kept moist until permanent growth has started. They should then be knocked out of the pots and the soil carefully removed from the roots taking care not to damage the new growth. Repot into 5 or 6-inch pots of leaf mould and sand with broken crocks at the bottom for drainage. TREATMENT OF VIOLETS The measure of success with these depends largely on the treatment the plants receive during the heat and drought of summer. If allowed to suffer through lack of moisture, red spider will assuredly appear and the plants become stunted through their vitality being undermined by this prevalent pest. In light soils, copious supples of water will be needed, though the labour of watering may be much reduced by mulching with litter or lawn mowings or whatever else of a suitable nature 13 b Q a t band. In the absence of a mulch, hoeing will do much to preserve moisture in the soil and promote growth. Endeavour to keep the surface soil in a loose, friable condition. Weak liquid manure or a sprinkling of compound fertiliser at intervals of a fortnight or so will further assist in the same direction. The removal of runners as they appear should be per- . severed with, so that the energy of the plants may be devoted solely to building up strong crowns for future flower P™f’ Ictlon - In the enjoyment of the er,nr-r,i an ? prance Of summer-flow-ering plants there is the danger of fortG, a ttend to practical details v\ hich make it possible to enjov those baJ !l n leS when the Pageant of summer has become a memory