THE POULTRY YARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 382, 16 June 1928, Page 28

THE POULTRY YARD

(By OEO. H. AMBLER.)

Need of Exercise

Exercise is essential to health, and health to productivity. In this direction the farmer and large operator have a distinct advantage. though that is often sacrificed to the practice of providing all too abundant supplies of food, so that the birds have no need to take exercise in finding nutrition. A further point is that the cost of feeding is thus enormously enhanced, although that is probably of secondary importance so far as the vigour and laying qualities are concerned. How much is lost by these means it is impossible to realise. That it must be considerable is unquestionable. Nor is that limited to the herds thus affected. Where these are used as breeding stock, succeeding generations are weakened. My purpose is to suggest that all feeding should be designed to encourage exercise, and not, as is too frequently the case, to check what is not only necessary for complete digestion, but also to develop the bodily vigour. Where birds are out on range, I am inclined to think that, in the great majority of cases, the quantity of food supplied might be reduced considerably in quantity and cost, and that the birds would be as productive and more profitable than at present. ENCLOSED AREAS INDUCE CHANGES Many changes are induced by what is a necessity in these days—namely, keeping fowls within enclosed areas—for there the oppartunities of physical exercise are severely restricted unless special steps are taken in that direction. Under such conditions, the tendencies to increase of body weight are greater than when the birds are at liberty, and are altogether abnormal, whilst absence of a natural environment makes for degeneracy. Yet it is n remarkable fact that pullets especially. so kept, are frequently more productive than on free range, the cause of which is not easily explained. It may be that this increase of laying is the chief reason why there is greater exhaustion of constitutional vigour in that the reserves which would I otherwise go to sustain and build up J the system are exhausted, and that the i

| breeding and rearing to secure the I early maturity requisite for high I fecundity bring into play forces prior ; to the time when these can operate | without strain upon the system. VALUE OF SCRATCHING SHED In this respect introduction of the scrathing shed method of feeding has undoubtedly been of marked benefit by compelling exercise in order to secure food, and has retarded tendencies which would otherwise have been harmful in the extreme. Probably this method of feeding has not been utilised to the extent which is desirable. It would be a great gain if it were possible to insist that no particle of food should be obtainable unless it were worked for. That is a standard which is difficult to obtain, for reasons named below, but we are far from having realised our possibilities in this direction. In only too many cases are fowls fed in accordance with the convenience of owners or attendants, and not that of their welfare. I am coming more and more to the view that the more food is given in a form which compels exercise, and the less in a soft form, the better it will be in every way, and mainly by reason of the use of the muscles required in seeknig for it. Fowls and turkeys obtain such exercise b£ scratching more thau walking, ducks by swimming and geese by wandering. Nothing should hinder what are wisely designed processes. So much has been said chiefly in respect to muscular exercise, which, however, has a reactive influence on the organs and functions of the body. As already indicated physical exertion causes a much more rapid flowing of the blood, reaebng every part of the system. Not alone is this of value as inducive of warmth, but there is also the fact that in this manner the whole body is more perfectly and regularly supplied with the elements jt is the business of the blood to carry to them. EXERCISE NOT ALL Exercise of the limbs accounts for much, but is not all. There must also be the nature of the food, which must be in conformity with the environment under which the fowls “live, move,

and have their being.” Pampered birds could not digest what i 3 enjoyed by those kept under natural conditions. Their appetite must be tempted by dainties. Fortunately these end the business in a few generations. To some extent the same is true with yarded fowls kept for utility purposes. Poultry-keepers would he well advised to depend to a greater extent upon grain as hard foods than heretofore —first, because by doing so they can compel fowls to take exercise before finding their food, and, second, that as a result there will be exercise internally by use of the muscles and organs, together with complete assimilation of the nutritive elements, both of which make for health and vigour and productiveness. At the same time it is necessary to recognise that the use of soft food has certain advantages which cannot be ignored, chiefly as a question of economy. Much that could not be digested by poultry in a raw state, and which is yet valuable for fowls, can be utilised by steeping or cooking. Of these may be named lucerne hay, potatoes, portions of vegetables, etc., as well as household scraps. To that extent soft food is desirable. THE BREEDING SEASON A question that often troubles the beginner is the age at which stock should be used for breeding purposes. It is our experience that with breeds of the sitting class, cockerels are seldom fit for the breeding pen under a year old, while those of the lighter breeds can be used at an earlier age. Admittedly, it seems a great waste to have cockerels standing around, simply eating their heads off, and not giving the slightest return. It is, however, much better to allow young cockerels to build up a strong constitution than to let them run riot with hens ere they are properly set, as it were. Male birds which are permitted to live on the fat of the land until they are thoroughly furnished, last all the longer in the breeding pens, and sire stronger and better chickens. It pays well to keep a few select cockerels by themselvs, and to feed them generously, so that they may be muscular and fit when the time comes for them to be put with the hens. In the case of two-year-old or three-vear-old hens not “nicking” it will probably be found that they have developed liver complaint: either that, or what is far worse, they 1 are consumptive, “going light,” as ! some people call it.

PERSONAL NOTES Mr. J. N. McLean, Rotorua, forwarded by the Manuka three Black Orpington pullets and a White Leghorn pullet to Mr. E. Emmett, Melburne. By the same steamer Mr. McLean shipped a White Leghorn and a Black Orpington cockerel, also a hen pheasant to Messrs. Rudders, Ltd., Melbourne. Miss Ambler, Auckland, has sold her Whangarei winning English White Leghorn cockerel to a well-known Blenheim fancier. At the Christchui'ch Show held last week four of the most successful exhibitors were women, viz., Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Moffett and Mrs. Greenslade, the former with Rhode Island Reds, Mrs. Anderson with English White Leghorns, Mrs. Moffett with Variety Bantams, and Mrs. Greenslade with Light Sussex. During our visit to Christchurch we had the pleasure of visiting the yards of Mrs. Greenslade, Sussex Poultry Farm. The birds, which were all housed in deep houses well littered with straw, were the picture of health and we greatly admired the high standard of quality in the birds. True Sussex type, along with wonderful body colour and well striped hackle, was a characteristic in practically every bird. Mrs. Greenslade has started on right lines, the pedigree of every bird is known and culling is severely carried out, only the best being kept. Were every breeder to cull as heavily as Mrs. Greenslade, a big improvement would be seen in our flocks. Mr. J. Nixon, Auckland, has been appointed judge of all classes of poultry in both open and utility sections at Rotrua Show, to be held the end of this month. Mr. W. A. Hanson, Epsom, has accepted an invitation to judge the Wairoa Show, to be held in July. Mr. W. Runciman, superintendent of the Hamilton Winter Show’s poultry section, has been elected the club’s delegate at the annual meeting of the North Island Association to be held during Palmerston North Show. Mr. Runciman is also one of the judges of the roots at the Palmerston North Show. During the week Mrs. Geo. Ambler, Glen Eden, wife of our correspondent, received word that her mother had died in England. We feel sure all fanciers will extend their sympathy to both Mrs. and Miss Ambler in their bereavement. A GREAT FANCIER We nave just received news of the j death of that great pigeon fancier, Mr. I Richard Woods, Mansfield, England. j Mr, Woods, who was known to many j

New Zealand fanciers, was the last of that circle of great fanciers which included such men as Messrs. P. H. Jones, J. W. Ludlow, H. Alls op p and others who made history at the close of the last century and the opening years of this. It is, however, in connection with the Dragoon that his name will be most remembered, for, while he kept and exhibited that pigeon he was practicaly invincible in the show pen and was the means of raising that breed to a high state of perfection. On one occasion with 94 entries, at one Crystal Palace show he brought back 98 prizes and, during the time of his active association with the pigeon fancy he secured over 30,000 prizes. Mr. Woods was a regular contributor to the fancy Press—there stands out his monogram on “The Dragoon/’ one of the finest specialist books on a breed ever published. CANARY NOTES The Auckland Yorkshire Canary Club has received several replies to its circular concerning the forthcoming Yorkshire “Classic of the North.” and entries this year promise to be larger than ever. The Auckland Canary and Cage-bird Club met on Thursday last, when the following judges were elected for the forthcoming open show: Yorkshires, Mr. W. A. Hanson; Norwich, Mr. J. Simpson. Mr. “Jim” McFarlane. late president of the A.Y.C.C., now residing in Australia, is evidently still strong In his old love, as last week the secretary of the A.Y.C.C. received a request from him for a copy of the club’s rules and standard. Needless to say, these were gladly supplied, and it is to be hoped that another specialist club will be the result. In our opinion, there is nothing like them to boost the breed. Many people • think a canary is a sparrow which has joined the “Mustard Club.” To realise the difference, these people are urged to make a point of visiting the annual shows. The first of these will be held'by the A.Y.C.C. in the Epiphany Hall. Karangahape Road, on Saturday, June 30. The second will be held by the Auckland Canary and Cage-bi-d Club on Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28. This fixture will also be held in the Epiphany Hall. Schedules are out for the Auckland Yorkshire Canary Club's annual open show. Fanciers overlooked should apply to the hon. secretary, 40 Chester Avenue, Westmere, Grey Lynn. —Pedigree Anconas, Langshans, Minorcas, Orpingtons, Brown and White Leghorns; book now; deliver July onwards.—Page, Sarawai St., Parnell.

GENERAL NOTES We have received a. schedule of the Stratford Poultry Association's Annual Show which is to be held on July 13 and 14. The show, which is in the capable hands of Mr. F. T. Hale as secreary and an able committee, promises to be a good one. The specials are good and numerous, besides being alot.ted to almost every variety of bird in the show. An innovation which should draw a good number of entries is an amateur judging competition. The first trophy for this class is £1 Is, second trophy 10s 6d. The North Island championships for Fancy Hamburgs, and for Utility Rhode Island Reds will also be competed for. The judges are: Fancy poultry, Mr. Geo. H. Ambler, Auckland; utility poultry, Mr. Don Stewart, Normanby. Entries close June 30. IMPORTANCE OF STRAIN If you want good returns from your poultry yards, such returns must be arranged for beforehand. Nothing “happens,” not even death. * High roosts, where the heavy breeds of poultry are being kept, are conducive to bumble foot and other leg weakness. Whether the mating of fowls i 3 made for the production of pure breed or of first cross chickens, the strain is of primary importance. Do not lose sight of this. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT L.M.N. has a bird intended to keep for breeding purposes, but found some kind of growth the size of a pigeon’s egg on the breast-bone and wondered if this will render the bird unfit for use in the breeding pen. As a rule, these swellings are cysts and contain some fluid to begin with, but if they are not treated they may become solid. At any rate, in our opinion, we think it would not in any way render the bird unsuitable for stock purposes; it has been caused by friction of a heavy bird on the point of the breastbone. The treatment is to pierce the swelling and allow the fluid to escape, and inject a little boric acid lotion, squeeze this out, and the place generally dries up and is no further trouble.