REPORT OF THE POULTRY MAXAGER 293 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Xumbcr of eggs laid were : — 



1903. 



Isroverul)er 12 



December 64 



1!)U4. 



January 107 



February 50 



Marcli 00 



April, to 7th instant, inclusive 13 



341 



CONTIXCED LWESTICATION INTO CAUSES OF WEAK GERMS IN EARLY SPRING EGGS. 



For several years past experiments liave been conducted with the obiect of ascer- 

 taining the cause of so many weak germs in eggs laid in early spring. The weak 

 germs directly affect the profitable hatching and rearing of early chickens. It is, 

 therefore, important to discover the cause, or causes, and remedy, if possible. The 

 fowls under observation were in two groups and kept under the following conditions : — 



Group 1.— Hens were kept in artificially warmed compartments. 

 They had laid fairly well from early December, 

 They had been gently stimulated to lay by generous feeding. 

 They were in numbers of 10 to 15 in pens, each 8 x 14 feet dimensions. 

 They were confined to these pens from early winter until spring weather permit- 

 ted their getting to outside runs. 

 Kesults noted were : — 



That the germs of the eggs from these hens were so weak as to die in large 

 numbers in progress of incubation. Chickens when hatched were weak. 



That the germs remaineil weak until the hens had opportunity, in spring, to get 

 to outside runs and recuperate. 



That the germs apparently became strong about the middle of April, and v/hen 

 set at, or, after that time, gave good results. See reports of previous years. 



Group 2. — The hens in -this group were in cold quarters, which were two rough 

 divisions of a shed. Into this shed there was opportunity for limited run. 



Eggs from these hens were collected soon after being laid, or they would have 

 been frozen. ^ 



The hens were heavily fed and laid exceedingly well. 



The germs of the eggs laid by these hens, in early spring, were strong and hatched 

 9 and 10 chickens per setting of 13 eggs. The chickens grew well. 



The hens were mated with vigorous cockerels. 



Results were considered in favour of fresh air and plenty of it even if it was cold. 



Similar experience on the part of farmers and poultry-keepers has led to the 

 more general adoption of the poultry-house with scratching shed attachment. Illustra- 

 tions and descriptions of poultry-houses so constructed, are shown in reports of poul- 

 try department for 1902 and 1903. In these reports will also be found details of the 

 experimental work carried on, up to that time, in connection with the germination of 

 eggs laid in early spring. 



INCREASED OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. 



In order to permit of further examination into this important phase of poultry- 

 keeping, a poultry-house of moderate dimensions with scratching room attachment 

 find arranged and fitted in the latest and most approved methods, "was erected during 



