■July 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 521 



1,000 chickens ai-e to be hatched and reared in regular batches from now to 

 the end of September, taking into consideration that only a small propor- 

 tion of the total number will be hatched in June and July, and that the 

 greater portion will come out in August and September, the mean average 

 feed requirements to the end of the year (when the new wheat will be 

 coming in) will be about equal to that of 500 adult birds. In fact, seeing 

 that at least portion of the cockerels will have been marketed at four months 

 and under, probably an estimate of feed for 400 adult birds would be nearer 

 actuality. In other words, 1,000 chickens hatched during the months indi- 

 cated will only represent the cost of feeding 400 adult birds. This is pointed 

 out because the novice poultry-keeper is only too apt to calculate the cost of 

 feeding on an adult basis for the whole output. 



Economical Feeding of Chickens. 



In these times of high cost of feeding, and when every economy is necessary, 

 it might be pointed out that it has become fashionable to feed chickens on 

 more or less expensive mixtures. The question ari.ses how far this is neces- 

 sary. The writer has had experience of feeding chickens on the most simple 

 rations, and has successfully raised hundreds of thousands on nothing more 

 than crushed wheat and maize, together with pollard and bran, the last two 

 forming three-fourths of the total daily ration, with of course, the usual green 

 feed. 



Feeding and Care of Breeding Stock. 



It is not recognised to the extent that it .should be how much the results 

 •of the breeding season in fertility and strength of chickens depend upon the 

 care and attention bestowed upon the breeding stock. It is not sufficient to 

 mate up the breeding pens and to feed, water, and attend to them as if they 

 were ordinary flock birds. Much more is needed. Extra care in feeding 

 will be time well spent. The birds should have all they will eat and of the 

 the most appetising food. They should be neither under-fed nor over-fed — 

 and by over-feeding is meant that the food should not be allowed to lie 

 about the yard. The birds should be kept keen for their food. This is 

 commonplace advice, but it will stand repeating until it has still more 

 thoroughly permeated the consciousness of the average poultry-keeper, and 

 particular care should be taken to keep the male birds well fed. If the 

 males are seen to be hungry and appear to be eating well this should not be 

 taken as a sign that they are taking plenty of food. Very often it is 

 evidence that they are not getting suflicient to eat. On the other hand, if 

 they ai'e indifferent to their food it may prove that they are not taking 

 sufficient. Under these conditions the birds rapidly become light in weight, 

 with consequently lowered condition. This calls for special feeding. A feed 

 of maize given at midday is the best way to maintain condition. The bird 

 should be got to one side or inside the poultry-house, and the attendant 

 should arrange so that the hens do not get the food intended for the male. 

 A handful of maize is the best food for this purpose, as it is eaten up more 

 readily, and thus saves the time of the attendant. 

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