ioDec. 1908.] Pacchus Alarsli Poultry Farm Ccnipcliiion. "jSi 



BACCHUS MARSH POULTRY FARM COMPETITION. 



Report and Awards. 

 //. ]'. Ha-ickins, Poultrv Expert. 



In 1902 the first practical step was taken by the Department of Agri- 

 culture to deliver a series of lectures on agricultural topics to the farming 

 community of Bacchus Marsh. The lectures and demonstrations extended 

 o\-er 30 da\s and an average attendance of over 50 was maintained. 

 Amongst the subjects dealt with was that of Poultry Breeding and Man- 

 agement. As a result of the success which attended this and subsequent 

 efforts and to still further develop the interest in poultry culture, two 

 special prizes were recently offered by the President and tTie Committee 

 of the Bacchus Marsh Agricultural and Pastoral Society. The competition 

 was limited to farmers residing within a radius of 20 miles of the local 

 show grounds. Whilst judging, I was accompanied by the President, 

 Capt. Billinghurst. 



The first farm visited was that of Mr. Robert Alkemade of Coimadai, 

 7 miles from Bacchus Marsh. This farm, which occupies about r\ acres 

 on a south-westerly slope, is well sheltered and neatly laid out with 4 pens 

 of 50 X 20 feet each. The divisions are made of 3 x 2 hardwood posts, 

 6 feet high, with three battens of 3 x i hardwood — bottom, centre and 

 on top. The lower portion is closed with 3-feet palings, with an equal 

 width of wnre mesh on top, attached to the centre and top battens. It 

 is well to point out here that a top rail is not necessary or advisable as 

 it encourages the birds to fly on to it, causing serious losses during the 

 breeding season. 



The houses, which are portable, are well constructed, have vermin- 

 proof perches, are scrupulouslv clean and are white washed throughout but 

 lack that uniformitv of design which appeals to the critical eye. This 

 is especiallv noticeable in the first pen. The house in the centre of the 

 second pen is much better. Five feet distant from it will be observed a 

 well designed egg house, raised 18 inches from the ground and divided' 

 into three partitions^ dark and inviting to the conservative hen. Exposed 

 egg boxes encourage the bad habit of egg-eating — the more secluded the 

 nest, the more the hen will be satisfied and few^ will be found to indulge 

 in the habit. Although the pens lack uniformity, full credit must be 

 given to Mr. Alkemade for the many excellent improvements devired by 

 him. 



The water vessel in use consists of a shallow^ square tin placed inside 

 of a brick covered frame at the back of which is a ventilator, permitting 

 a cool current of air to pass over the water. Thus, in all weathers, the 

 drinking w^ater is kept shaded and cool. The pens are provided with 

 ample supplies of grit, shell and charcoal, suspended in a divided hopper 

 neatly cut out of kerosene tins. During the heat of mid-summer the yards 

 are spraved. An illustration of this was given at the time of our visit, 

 and it w-as surprising how soon the birds took advantage of the cool 

 sprav bath. The ground being loamy, the\ set to work with feet and' 

 wings to cool and cleanse their bodies. Spraying may, with advantage, 

 bo adopted at most of the poultry farms throughout the State as the 

 hen flea {Menopon pallidum) works havoc if not checked. In the corner 

 of each pen is a sauare of 10 x 10 for scratching purposes. It contains 



