THe JOUHNAb 



OF 



Tfie department of Mgriculture 



ov 



VICTORIA. 



Vol. IX. Papt 12. 11th Deeembep, 1911. 



PROFITABLE DUCK FARMING. 



H. V . Hawkins, Poultry Expert. 



Of late, more attention has been paid to the production of eggs than 

 to the raising of table birds. Consequently, there has been, and is now, 

 a great scarcity of good edible poultry. The craze for egg production 

 has increased enormously ; and, as prices are maintained, it would appear 

 likely to continue. It is now recognized that the majority of poultry 

 breeders have set tlieir minds to further improve the laying qualities of 

 their birds, few apparently regarding the table fowl or duck with favour. 



Thirteen years ago there was, in Victoria, much thought and writing 

 about duck raising for profit, and many, attracted by statements regarding 

 the great profits that were to be realized much more quickly than with 

 hens, embarked in the business. The high price of oats, wheat, &c., 

 however, raised the cost of feeding to such an extent that prices then 

 ruling, especially for ducks, did not recompense the breeder sufficiently, 

 and, consequently, the industry suffered. But, with an easier food bill, 

 and the universal use of lucerne chaff, which has now become such an 

 important part of the meal, it is being revived. There is no reason to 

 doubt that good prices will l)e the rule. 



Capital Required. 

 To commfuce operations, one has always to consider the locality, its 

 suitability and nearness to market; the period of the year; and. above 

 all, the cash at his disposal. There is no doubt that, as l)etween chickens 

 and ducklings, the cost of etiuipment in the latter business is less; for 

 instance, the jkmis and dividing fences iieed not K' more than half the 

 height re<iuin (1 for fowls. A greater numbi-r of ducks may also be kept 

 together without risk of the catarrhal ailments common to fowls when over- 

 crowded. Again, they mature in less than half the time, so that the re 

 turns are (|iiicker. There is little or no vermin to cope with, as hen mites 

 will not live upon ducks ; this also means less labeur. 

 \<6-^%X 2 p 



