238 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



SUMMARY OF RESULTS NOTED. 



The following is a summary of beneficial results noted, as following the reduction 

 of the rations, with the care and handling of the laying stock, as described : — 



1. Better health of the laying stock. 



2. Greater output of eggs. 



3. No development of vicious habits of previous years. 



4. Comparatively few eggs laid with thin shells and none with soft shells. 



5. Much greater activity of the layers in searching for the grain scattered in litter 

 on the floor. 



6. Much better condition of the fowls, of all breeds, in February and March as 

 compared with previous years. 



EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 



The question may be asked, " Why was the disastrous results of overfeeding not 

 discovered before ? " The reply is that it requires several years of experience and care- 

 ful observation before reliable data can be obtained. There were many statements 

 made and read during the past few years but none had received confirmation by experi- 

 ment. The management and feeding of his hens by the fanner, so as to obtain eggs in 

 paying quantity from them in winter, is comparatively new and much is yet to be 

 learned. The report of the poultry department for any year gives the experience of 

 that year, which that of the following year may confirm or modify, and so the work 

 goes on and all in the way of finding out cheaper and more eflfective rations. 



BREEDING PENS MADE UP. 



At the beginning of March the breeding pens were made up as follows : — 



Date. 



March 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 



2.. 

 11.. 

 11.. 

 11.. 

 13.. 



Breed. 



Barred Pl3rmouth Rocks. 



White M 



Silver Laced Wyandottes 



Light Brahmas 



Black Minorcas 



White 



Andalusians 



Coloured Dorkings 



Houdans 



Black Minorcas 



White Leghorns 



White Wyandottes 



White Plymouth Rocks. . 

 Langshans 



How Mated, 



Remarks. 



Second pen. 

 Second pen. 



The eggs most in demand for setting were those of Barred and White Plymouth 

 Rocks, Blade Minorcas, Silver Laced Wyandottes and White Javas, in the order named. 

 There was a greater demand for eggs of the Barred Plymouth Rocks than could be filled. 

 It is gratifying to note that the popularity of this breed is steadily increasing. It is cer- 

 tainly good for both egg production and flesh development. Of equal merit is the 

 Wyandotte family with its varieties of Silver Laced, White, Black, Golden and Bufi; As 

 prolific layers of large white eggs the Black Minorcas have taken a front place, and 

 deservedly so. 



gOW THE EGGS WERE SET. 



The eggs were set in specially prepared nests, placed in a portion of the poultry 

 house set apart for the purpose. In close proximity to the sitters was their food, 

 composed of mixed grains, grit, water and dust bath. The mixed grains were contained 

 in a narrow trough. For early sitters Wyandottes were preferred, as being docile, 

 easily handled and not clumsy. Some of the cross bred hens were found to make 

 excellent sitters and mothers. On being made, the nest was dusted with carbolic 

 disinfecting powder, and so was the body of the sitter, before being placed on the nest. 



