^p4 .Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [ii Dec, 1911. 



when the eggs are chipping the egg-drawer should not be interfered with,, 

 except to turn the chipping side upwards. Never sprinkle the eggs. 



Setting Duck Eggs under Hens. 



If (luck eggs are set under a hen the less straw or nesting used the 

 better ; in fact, by setting on the ground the best results are frequently 

 obtained. The use of boxes, especially in a dry atmosphere, should be 

 avoided. If moisture is neglected, the lining membranes will become like 

 parchment, and will in many cases stick to and dry on to the j'oung mites 

 not yet out of shell, and the result is that they die in the shell. 



Dry Nests. 



If the nest appears too dry, and the hen neglects to dust herself in a. 

 cool spot, slightly damp the outside of the nest. Cases have been known 

 where the nest has been flooded by heavy rain, and the eggs partially 

 under water, and yet nine out of eleven have been hatched and reared 

 successfully. 



Hatching Ducklings. 



When hatched, the young should be left under the hen until thoroughly 

 dry and strong enough to stand. Many are lost through being removed 

 too early from the nest. In a few days, three or more broods may be put 

 together under one hen ; she will be quite able to take care of them. Never 

 allow them access to creek or pond, but keep fresh water by them for 

 drinking purposes. Put a little sand in drinking vessel. They require 

 no food for quite twenty- four hours, but water must always be available. 



First Few Days' Meal. 



This should consist of hard-boiled egg mixed with a little boiled rice,, 

 and liver cut up very small, and should be given several times daily. 

 Occasionally change the rice to oatmeal. When ten days old, give barley- 

 meai one part, pollard one part, and a good portion of fine meat scraps 

 and raw onion. A little dry bone-meal is beneficial, and assists to build 

 up their frame. Onion tops are an excellent green food ; mix in the mash. 

 Coarse sand must be added to the water, otherwise digestive disorders will 

 follow. 



Then feed largely on barley-meal, a little bran, with plenty of skim- 

 milk, liver, and lucerne chaff; occasionally add finely-chopped raw onion 

 or tops. If intended for market, they should not have any grass during 

 the last fourteen days, as it discolours the flesh. 



General Reminders. 

 (i) Do not attempt to catch the ducks by their legs. It is much safer 

 to handle them by the neck. 



(2) Do not reduce their weight by taking a lamp amongst them at 

 night. 



(3) Never throw dry lime in a duck pen ; it kills. 



(4) Never select the largest duck eggs for hatching ; they are usually 

 infertile. 



(5) Never set a hen on duck eggs in a dry shed unless you moisten 

 the nest twice each week. 



(6) Always provide plenty of carbonate and phosphate of lime to assist 

 shell-making. Ovster shell supplies this need. 



(7) Keep plenty of coarse sand and old mortar, and a little charcoal 

 in a box for laving ducks. 



