II Dec, 1911-] Profitable Duck FcUDiing. 789 



the incubator. On no account part with the early eggs, if you desire to 

 work up a flock, both for size and constitution, as from these can be 

 reared the best ducklings. The successful breeder usually retains the 

 first dozen from each duck — most of the champions at the Poultry Shows 

 come from the early eggs. 



The longer a duck lays the weaker becomes the germ ; hence the neces- 

 sity of hatching early for best results. 



July, August, and September are the best months in this State. For 

 example, the first batch of Aylesbury eggs laid by four ducks (which 

 number is quite enough with one drake in a breeding pen), on one fanii 

 la.st season was kept and incubated, the result being that the ducklings at 

 seven weeks weighed, on the average, 5I lbs. each — a splendid result; 

 v/hile later batches at the same age did not iieach 4J lbs. 



When the farmer is anxious to breed -a large batch of young ducklings 

 from the one pen, a good plan is to change the drake. This would, to a 

 large extent, keep up the stamina and size of the youngsters all through 

 the season. 



Utility Ducks. 



Much has been written of the various breeds, and possibly too much 

 Avith regard to their origin. The farmer cares little whether Pekins 

 came from the Eastern World or from America ; what concerns him 

 most is which breeds will command top prices in this State. There is no 

 doubt that the Pekin, Aylesbury, and Mu.scovy breeds are amongst the best. 

 They are large meaty birds, and rapidly respond to fattening foods. They 

 may be bred pure or cros.sed, the latter being preferable. A first cross 

 increases the fecundity, there are fewer infertiles, and stamina is added. 



Modes of Crossing Breeds. 



Select four Pekin ducks, second season preferred, and an Aylesbury 

 drake nme months old, not younger. They should be mated early in June. 

 July. August, and September are usually the best months for laying, and 

 the eggs are more fertile than later in the .season. When ducks have access 

 to water the eggs are found to be more fertile. They should, therefore, 

 have a swim for twenty minutes each morning and evening during breeding 

 dme. 



Where there is no natural creek, an iron tank cut in liall and let into 

 the ground will be sufliiciently large for them. It should have a plug and 

 an outlet pif^e, and sh(juld be cleansed twice a week. Take care to have a 

 sloping foot-board, nailing pieces crosswise to prevent sli|)ping. as injuries 

 are frequently caused by this means. 



This cross — the Pekin and Aylesbury will produce beautiful whit»:^ 

 flesh and plenty of it. 



Quite recently a big <lemand has .set in tor the Mu>covy cross. This is 

 best produced by having four Mu.scov\ ducks mated with a vigorous Pekin 

 drake. It will be found preferable to using the very heavy Mu'covy drake, 

 and the fertility is surer. Latterly. 10s. to t_'s. ] (-r i)air have l)een paid 

 for this cross. 



I'EEDiNG Breeding Dlck.s. 



When breeding ducks are penned in yards, they get little or no insect 

 life; and in most eases the grass sodu Unonies tainte<l aiul sour. It 

 therefore Ix-comes necessary to ^uovide adequ.ite fo ds wi crewith to 

 produce eggs strong in the eml)ry<). 



