FOR THE POULTRY KEEPER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 November 1939, Page 8

FOR THE POULTRY KEEPER

SOME USEFUL HINTS. More Proteins Needed. It is fairly obvious that a bird which produces an egg almost every day makes different and much greater demands upon her bodily resources than the growing pullet. Towards the laying age the ovary matures rapidly, but until production actually commences there is no call for definite daily replacement of concentrated body material. Apart from moisture the egg consists almost entirely of highly concentrated protein, so directly laying starts the daily protein intake must increase materially in order that production can continue, and do so without prejudice to any other bodily function or need. The extra protein and other food essentials to maintain the body generally, is obtained in the form of an all-round increase in the total amount of food eaten so that the young laying bird suddenly develops a vast appetite.

If pullets just coming into lay are visited as soon as they have settled for the night, it is possible to pick out those already simply by feeling the size of their crops. Although those not yet in lay have had equal opportunity as to the quantity of food available, about, loz of grain before going to roost has satisfied their needs, whereas the layers demand double that quantity. So it is found , that extra food both in quantity and quality is needed as soon as laying starts, and although most poultry foods contain some protein, the growers' percentage of specially protein-rich foods must be added to. On good pasture the growers have probably found all the natural protein they require in the, rich grass, worms and ■insects, but this is not enough for the layers, especially in the summer. In current use proteins are: Any one of a class of organic compounds, the proteins, consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, with a little sulphur, in complex, and more or less unstable combination forming an important part of all living organisms and the "essential nitrogenous” constituents of the food of animals.

When Buying Pullets, It is probably true that years ago breeders kept their methods of feeding a close secret, but that cannot be said of present day utility men. In fact, our best-known breeders go out of their way to explain their systems in detail.

This means that when the beginner buys half-grown pullets he has only to ask to secure particulars of the system of feeding adopted by the vendor. Even should the exact ingredients of the mashes not be given, it will be possible to ascertain whether the birds have been on dry or wet mash, and to obtain some information about the ingredients. Growing pullets get accustomed to certain foods and feeding systems, and any sudden changes are bound to upset them and bring about a check which can prove serious for their future development, and this is just the thing the beginner must avoid. Fowl’s Need of Water. A fowl’s consumption of water on a summer’s day is estimated to be 7oz. If they do not get sufficient the amount of food consumed is reduced. They eat with difficulty because they have less saliva and their digestion and consumption of food is severely checked. Egg-production and size are also reduced. Shell-less Eggs. These are not always caused by lack of lime-forming substances in the food. They are often caused by frights, consequently when such eggs appear the owner should investigate. The fowls may bo being frightened by children, dogs, cats, rats, ferrets, etc. Limber Neck in Poultry. All sorts of troubles which affect poultry so that they cannot raise their heads are usually put down to limber neck. The birds will mope, droop their wings, stretch out their necks, and lie flat on the ground. In some cases the neck becomes twisted. This can usually be put down as caused by some form of ptomaine poisoning. During the warm weather, when dead bodies decompose quickly and become filled with maggots, the fowls may be affected by eating them, especially if the dead bodies have been poisoned. Cases have been known of fowls dying after eating grasshoppers which have been given arsenic in bran. Decaying fish will also set up a form of poisoning, and too much common salt will also prove fatal. It is estimated that 25 grains of salt per pound of live weight will produce death in poultry. If noticed in time the birds could be given a dose of castor oil. If the bird is prostrate, it could be given an assofoetida pill (two grains) morning and evening, to be followed by a spoonful of warm water. Some birds, if kept quiet and out of the, direct sun’s rays, will recover.