FOWLS AS SCAVENGERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2272, 16 April 1886, Page 2

FOWLS AS SCAVENGERS.

A small flock of fowls will not only pick up a considerable proportion of their sub- ■■< sistence, but will consume a largo amount of food that would be wasted but for their presence. Many families that would not • tolerate a. pig on the premises, can well afford to keep a fow fowls, and in many cases they effect a great saving by consuming the scraps from tho tablo, requiring but little extra expense in their manage- ' ment. If strict accounts were kept with a small flock—not usually done—it would convince the moat sceptical that there ii economy in retaining a few hens tD use up material that is usually thrown' away.. With them the refuse from the table and kitchen is converted into eggs and meat, thereby being changed into newtr and frosher articles ot diet for family use. . The care required for a small flock is such, as is bestowed by those of the family (such.as ladies or children) who have some leisure moments to spare daily, and it bay bo claimed that they also save labour that would otherwise be wasted. There is also a pleasure in keeping a small flock. Ths timo spent with fowls is gaining instruction and adding to the knowledge of tho young persons. For the reasonthat nearly all the members of the family take pleasure in contributing t» the management of the fawla may be attributed to the fact that small flooks always return larger profits, in pro- I portion to the number than large flocks, the saving of scraps being distributed among a few only, and lessen the cost of keep, while with larger flocks nearly the whole of the feed must be procured, It must not be overlooked, however, that a good, warm, dry, poultry house, is an essential necessity, whether the flock bo ■ small or large, for on the comfort of tho j: fowls depends their prolificacy, while a variety of food should always be consid-' ered an important .matter.