Diary of A Poultry
Keeper
~February~
Thoughts from a rural poultry keeper at the
turn of the last century.
"Another cold month, often
accompanied by snow. But eggs are now coming steadily and the
heart of the farmer is made glad. Continue to feed plenty of good
food and keep up the supply of grain as well as soft foods. Turnips
and mangolds may be fed occasionally now, and the birds will appreciate
the change, but make certain that the frost does not get near
them. Never feed any frosted vegetable to fowls. Swedes are generally
liked, and they are safe to feed after Christmas. Anything of
this nature assists digestion, and while it helps to cheapen the
feed it may increase the size of the egg. Ground meat meal or
bone meal should form a fifth part of the diet.
The eggs from pens you have mated are now fertile and you can
set them under a broody hen or place them in the incubator. Make
sure they are of normal shape and size and not more than ten days
old. Better still if they are all under a week old. Do not set
more than ten or twelve eggs under a hen in this cold season.
Heavy breeds only should be bred during the first two months of
the year. Early February is the best time to start breeding for
table poultry. The birds hatched about the last week in February
grow wonderfully fast and well.
Thoroughly disinfect and clean out the incubator, making sure
that the lamp is burning properly and that the wick is all right,
for the season.
Any chickens hatched out in February should be allowed out on
every available opportunity when not too cold, especially when
the sun is shining, but care should be taken to prevent them getting
wet. See that the grass on which they run is cut down close to
the ground. A covered shed near them will afford protection in
an emergency.
See that the male bird is sufficiently fed: some will not feed
when hens are busy and in that event must be fed separately. He
should get plenty of oats and a fair quantity of meat meal.
Leghorns and other light breeds should be mated about the end
of the month, as well as all cross breeds with a Leghorn cockerel.
Be sure your broody hens are free from insects. Even if none are
visible sprinkle Biddy with an insecticide powder and feed her
chiefly on whole maize."
