3 Aug.. 1 91 2.] Second Yictoriiui Egg-laying; Conifctiiion. 



S^S 



SErONl) VKJTUIJIAN EdiMAYING COMPETITION, ll)l-M3. 



H. V. Haivkins. Poultry Expect. 



Monthly Report. 



The past month has been characterized by cold bleak weather, with at 

 times heavy rain and occasional frosts, the drinking vessels being frozen, 

 on several mornings. The lighter breeds have felt the cold very much ; on 

 the other hand, the 30 Orpingtons competing have scored remarkably well, 

 and appear to relish the cold weather. A few cases of sickness have occurred, 

 jirincipally amongst the White Leghorns; up to the present one White 

 Leghorn has died through accident, and one Silver Wyandotte succumbed 

 to heart disease. There has been one replacement, due to paralysis, and 

 one to wasting, in both cases White Leghorns. The scoring of the present 

 team of birds compares favorably with the previous year's competition, as 

 mav be seen from the following figures: — 



Comparative Table of Eggs Laid. 



Owing to the cold weather experienced, there has been an increase in 

 the amount of meat allowed, the bullock's liver being given four times a 

 week; whilst on cold days or on ap])roach of coid nights an extra ration 

 ot maiz5 has been given, reversing the amount of maize and wheat that was 

 given last month, i.e., 4 parts maize, 3 parts wheat, and 2 parts oats, instead 

 of 4 parts wheat. 3 parts maize, and 2 parts o:.ts. In other respects, the 

 feeding has been along the lines indicated in the July issue of the Journal. 



Very few of the birds have shown signs of broodiness, and the general 

 health has been good, and only few are in the moult, as is indicated bv 

 the increased egg yield. Keen interest is being shown in the contest this- 

 year, due to the equalitv of a number of the contestants ; although the 

 leading pen, No. 40, has maintained its position, there are many 

 rea-sonably close. 



Unfortunately, a few of the leading pens have laid a number of double- 

 yolked eggs ; this will handicap them as the warmer weather approaches, 

 and possibly be a cause of loss. 



