786 Journal of A\^ricidtiiri . Victoria. [11 Dec, 19TI. 



To establish a farm capable of accommodating about 120 clucks the 

 outfit necessary would be approximately : — 



Timber 



Wire netting (24 in.) 



Galvanized iron 



Nails, Catches, hinges, and sun<lries for i)en.s 



Incubator (120 machine) ... ... ... ... ... 7 o 



Brooder (home made) ... ... ... ... ... o 17 



Pen of breeding ducks — i Aylesliiiry drake, 4 I'ekin diuks ... 2 10 

 Tank for breeding pen ... ... ... ... ... i o 



22 14 



In a word, an expenditure of less than ^25, apart from rent or interest 

 on capital invested in land, will be sufficient for a person willing to make 

 a modest beginning in this business; but he must be able to keep himself 

 for the first year, as the returns for the first six months will be required 

 to erect additional pens to accommodate the increasing number of birds. 



Location. 

 In order to be successful careful consideration must be given to the 

 .selection of the site. Much depends on aspect, soil and drainage. Select 

 a site which has an easterly aspect and slopes somewhat so that the early 

 morning sun may sweeten the ground. Sandy soil is the most suitable for 

 ducks. Hard or stony land must be avoided, otherwise the ground becomes 

 sour ; moreover, as ducks have somewhat tender feet they are liable to 

 corns, and consequenit lameness. What is known as "bumble feet" is 

 largely due to the presence of heavy clay or stony land. As ducks do not, 

 as a rule, respond to treatment, one has to giuard against the ills to which 

 they are heir. 



Shelter Trees or Hedge.s. 



Shade in .some form is indispensable for all poultry, exposure to heat 

 causing great mortality. Tree Lucerne thrives well on sandy soil. It is 

 best to keep the tops cut in order that tlve growth may be more regular, 

 and at the saine time prevent the trees from becoming useless for the 

 purpose intended. 



It is advisable to provide temporary shade until the trees have grown 

 sufficiently. On no account should Box Thorn or any other hedge of a 

 thorny character be planted ; neither should ducks be permitted near such 

 plants, as foot troubles rapidly follow. 



Housing. 



There is not the slightest need to erect costlv houses for ducks. They 

 merely require a safe and dry shed, free from' rain and not exposed to 

 wind, and ample dry litter — straw, pine needles, or any soft material. 



Concrete, asphalt, or bricks make good serviceable floors. They aro 

 easy to clean. First use an ordinary scraper; and then, if found neces- 

 sary, give the floor a good hosing. When the flojrs are dry, and prior to 

 the night meal, provide bedding material. 



Ducks should not be confined in warm or ill-ventilated houses, as 

 tho.se artificially reared are more subject to cramp and leg troubles. It 

 is most important that lx>th houses and bedding should be thoroughly 

 aired daily. 



A floor space of 8 ft. x 6 ft. is ample for 25 matured birds. 



