UNDERFEEDING POULTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1938, Page 5

UNDERFEEDING POULTRY

AN AUTHORITY’S WARNING. A warning 'against under-feeding laying stock is given by the English authority, W. Powell Owen, who emphasised the point that it is impossible to obtain a maximum egg output on starvation rations —what is taken out in eggs ihust be put back in food. Another point to remember is that it is not possible to suit the needs of.every fowl in the flock. While keeping the layers up to body weight and fleshing, it must be remembered that over-ripe condition can be obtained to the detriment ofoegg-production. Here is a good example to study:—When it is desired to encourage the hens to moult, it is usual to reduce the quantity of rations, but, instead of dropping their feathers, some flocks, to their owner’s bewilderment, begin to lay in an amazing manner. The reason is simple to follow: — Having been unproductive through carrying too much fat, the hens immediately began to lay when they rid themselves of this excessive internal coating. The best policy is to kfeep a check on condition continuously through the summer, seeing that the laying hens are well-fleshed without being too fat. If a hen is in good condition the abdomen will feel pliable, despite the fact that the breastbone is healthily fleshed and the pelvic bones neatly covered. Second-year hens need to be watched more closely than yearlings. Mr Owen favours an occasional dose of salts in the mash during the hot summer weather. A teaspoonful is a common dose for 12 adult fowls, but some give a larger quantity. Others dissolve the salts in warm water and add them to the drinking water at the rate of a teaspoonful to each pint. A mild aperient helps to flush the digestive system, just as granulated charcoal tends to reduce internal gases. Much the same good is done if the drinking water is slightly Coloured occasionally with pertnanganate of potash crystals.