DUCKS AND GEESE 317 



Indian Runners (when these have increased sufficiently) 

 in ducks, and White Chinas or Embdens in geese are to 

 be preferred. It is admitted that plucking the birds is 

 not desirable when laying is expected or when the car- 

 cass is soon to be marketed. This is reasonable ; for 

 the feed that goes to produce feathers can hardly be ex- 

 pected to produce at the same time eggs or flesh. In 

 practice, it comes about that the combination method is 

 pretty sure to be followed. With Pekins, however, 

 which are only moderate layers, it is often feasible to 

 pluck the birds at least twice in the later season. Ducks 

 that are expected to lay in autumn cannot be plucked 

 without injury to the laying forces. 



It is, as a rule, better to hatch ducks by means of a 

 hen, a rather moist location being favorable. The nest 

 may be made of soft hay, on the ground in a floorless 

 building, which is so located that water cannot run 

 under the walls to set everything afloat. Ten eggs are 

 enough for all but the largest hens. Modern poultry- 

 men test all eggs between the fifth and the tenth days. 

 The eggs from the penciled or English Indian Run- 

 ners, which are pearly white and almost translucent, 

 may be tested on the fifth day. The infertiles are to be 

 removed. These make an excellent partial food for 

 small chicks. Duck eggs require twenty-eight days' in- 

 cubation. The ducklings are left under the hen until 

 all are hatched and dry, when they may be removed 

 during the period of sunshine to a coop floored with 

 boards, over which are sifted sand or dry earth and an 

 inch layer of soft chaff. The coop should have an at- 

 tached grass run, its inclosure at least a foot high, and it 

 ought to have a secure front. The youngsters may not 



