11 :N'ov., 1918.] The Rearing of Ducks. 669 



THE REARING OF DUCKS. 



By A. Hart, Chief PouUry Expert. 

 Ducks for Export. 



The excellent results obtained in the past from tlie trial shipments 

 of ducklings sent to Great Britain from Victoria have proved satis- 

 factory to all parties interested in the export trade. It certainly has 

 been very encouraging to breeders, and there appears every indication of 

 a very valuable and extensive business being established in the export 

 of ducklings and poultry to the London market, provided that the birds 

 sent are suitable to the requirements of the trade. This point, coupled 

 with the fact that trial shipments are looked upon by the London dealers 

 with a certain amount of suspicion, indicates that payable prices will 

 be obtained when a suitable market is expei'ienced and shipments of 

 ducklings are regularly made. There is an almost unlimited demand for 

 both ducklings and chickens in Great Britain, and the enormous quantity 

 of poultry consumed there every year should certainly be, to a certain 

 extent, supplied by this and our neighbouring States. 



The main requisites towards a successful export trade from Victoria 

 to Great Britain are as follow: — 



1. The breeding of birds which will command the highest value in 

 the London market. 



2. The rearing and fattening of the birds at as early an age as 

 possible. 



3. The killing, grading, and packing to be performed with great care, 

 so as to insure the poultry being landed in good condition and presenting 

 a good appearance, and therefore likely to prove satisfactory to the 

 ■consumer. 



4. Selecting the proper seasons for shipment of both ducklings and 

 chickens. 



5. A proper supervision at the receiving depot, and the appointnient 

 of direct agents, who will give the industry their undivided attention, 

 and thereby minimize the cost of handling and placing on the market. 



Any industry that is to be successful has to be established on a sound 

 basis, and to grow and develop with time and experience. There are, 

 however, very encouraging prospects offered in the export trade of 

 ducklings, and breeders have the final result practically in their own 

 hands. If they begin on correct .lines and produce birds which are of 

 the requisite quality and condition, it is quite probable that this industry 

 may assume very large proportions in the near future. 



Hints to Beginners. 



To obtain the best results in breeding for market it is necessary to 

 start with pure-bred stock, and for the breeder to set eggs from his own 

 birds. 



Aylesbury drake with Pekin ducks makes a suitable cross for export. 

 Allow three or four ducks to each drake. This cross matures quickly, 

 and grows to a large size, with flesh of good flavour, colour, and texture. 



Use first season drakes with second season ducks. 



See that breeding ducks are comfortably housed in cold Aveather, 

 so as to keep up the egg supply. A ground floor is the best for ducks. 

 It should be of clay, well rammed down, and raised a few inches above 

 the level of the ground. 



