50 J'Ournal of AgriciiLture. [8 Jan., 1908. 



as pure birds of the required varieties can now be purchased at reasonable 

 fig^ures. The main point in making the selection is to choose bin Is of good 

 constitution, correct shape, and large size. 



Feeding is another point which must receive very strict attention where 

 the export trade is concerned. Xo matter how good the breed is, poultry 

 keeping for export must be a failure if a regular and correct system of feed- 

 ing is not practised. From time to time various experiments have been 

 carried out by the officers of the Department. The following one dealing 

 with feeding is of iparticular interest. 



Twelve Silver Wyandotte chickens between three and four months old 

 were selected. At the time they were "rejects," that is, birds too small 

 and low in condition to pass the Government Expert. The weight of the 

 twelve birds was 36 lbs. and the market value would be about 4d. per lb. 

 These birds were placed in a fattening coop and fed asi follows: — Pollard, 

 barley meal, maize meal, meat meal, and dripping mixed together wdth skim 

 milk. The birds were fed on this food for five weeks, the value of the 

 food used amounting to 4s. 8d. (the milk was not reckoned in the cost). 

 During this iperiod these birds gained i8 lbs. of flesh; besides, the quality 

 improved to a great extent. At 6d. per lb. this would mean an increase of 

 9s. in value, and, after deducting the cost of food (4s. 8d.) wonld leave 

 a profit of 4s. 4d. on the 12 birds. As previously stated the weight of the 

 birds when put up was 36 lbs. and as it was increased 2d. per lb. in value, 

 this would bxing in 6s., making a total profit of los. 4d. on the 12 birds. The 



AYLESBURY AND PEKIN DUCKLINGS. lO WEEKS OLD. AVERAGE WEIGHT, 6 LBS- 



birds were fed naturally, no crammer nr other artificial means being prac- 

 tised. It will be found that the extra weight of flesh cost about 3|d. per 

 lb. to produce, leaving a clear profit at 6d. per lb. of 2|d. per lb. 



Experiments made with ducklings went to show that the extra weight 

 in flesh cost about 2|d. per lb. to j)roduce, about id. per lb. less than far 

 chickens. 



The proper diet for feeding chickens is as follows: — Wheat, heavy Al- 

 gerian oats, barley and maize. These grains should be finelv crushed and mixed 

 together, and scalded with skim milk ; kitchen refuse, meat-scraps, or renderecT 

 fat can be added. When fat is given it should be supplied three times a 



