THE ETERNAL MOULT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9995, 16 March 1910, Page 3

THE ETERNAL MOULT.

THE QUESTION OF THE FOWL RUN. ITS VARIOUS PHASES CONSIDERED. The moulting period is in point of interest second only to that of early chickanhood, and to some indeed it is more important in view of possible show and prizes. The annual phenomenon of the putting off of the old and putting on of the new is to all the observant poultry-keepers a matter of deepest interest., so suggestive that one might be tempted to moralise over it, so seemingly uncanny and unaccountable that it fascinates ai well as interests. It is a time which presents many problems, how to has ten it, how to defer it, how to ease it, when will it occur, and perhaps greatest of all, how to feed it- Nature never intended that the shedding of feathers should be a process risky to health and life, but nevertheless, it sometimes is so, and much depends upon the general health and condition of the fowls. An early moult is most to be desired, as the birds have a better chance during the mild weather when there is little fear of catching cold owing to their denuded condition, besides which it is more economical, as during the warmer , weather eggs are more plentiful, and a bird is more profitably engaged raising feathers, to prepare it for winter, than in laying eggs. The sooner a hen is over the moult the sooner will she come into profit again, and it is here that the early hatched pullets always score. Strong and healthy young stock have the new feathers formed in their sockets before the old ones drop out. The later moulting of older birds is accounted for by their not having the necessary feather making materials in their blood to start new feathers with earlier in the season, egg production absorbing all their energies, or else exhausting them and necessitating a rest to recuperate. Few hens lay when moulting, it is only once in a while that one can supply eggs and feathers at the same time. The blood is the life, so the blood must be maintained and reinforced by all the means which science has discovered or experience has taught. Moulting birds are more or less leverish, temperature varying from 102 degrees F. to 106 degrees F. This fever is characterised by the blood tending towards the skin, caused by the irritation of the dying and dead leathers. This increase of blood to the surface and its{acclerated circulation around the feather sockets assists the casting off of the old and conveys the materials for the formation of the new feathers. At this time there is a desire on the part of hens for certain kinds of food and mineral matter to repair the wastages. Nitrogenous feeding stuffs must bulk largest in the food given. Middlings and bean or pea-nieal are most useful for the mash, and wheat or oats for grain. A little Epsom Salts is often of advantage at the starting of the moult, and later on Douglas's mixture added to the soft food is advisable. Lean meat or gre3n cut bone should be supplied thrice a week to maintain the strength. A little linseed meal on alernate mornings is also beneficial. Green rood is most necessary, and should be given ad lib, especially that which is dark in colour, as it contains more sulphur. Sulphur itself is often of service when given judiciously, as it sometimes disagrees with certain subjects. Good sharp grit is, of course, a necessity, and it is improved by mixing charcoal with it. Where charcoal is not available, coal or wood ashes should be scattered about the runs, as they supply potash salt, so necessary at this time. Have a care that the dust bath is clean and easily accessible, and sprinkle some insect powder in it now and then.

Separate the moulters from the laying stock, house them in wellaired quarters free fron. draughts, feed them well, "be Kood to them," and shield them from cold winds and rains during the day. All this means truuble, but it is more than repaid when our feathered friends maks a good moult, and appear transformed in their dazzling, sheeny new plumage.—Exchange.