POULTRY RAISING DUCKS 387 



If hens are used it is better to keep the hens confined and allow the ducklings 

 free range, for hens are inclined to wander off too far with them. The young 

 ducks grow surprisingly fast and soon adapt themselves to new conditions. 



After they are 3 or 4 weeks old, the ducklings can be kept in a cool house 

 where they will eat better and grow faster. When warm weather comes no 

 more than a roof or sun shade is necessary for them. In fact, any more hous- 

 ing may be detrimental. The young birds need protection from both sun and 

 rain, but they must have exercise and fresh air. Their pen should be kept as 

 clean as possible. As they grow older it will be found advisable not to have 

 too many in one pen no more than can be killed at one job. Ducks put on 

 flesh rapidly but they also fall away rapidly when excited. 



Handling. In handling ducks pick them up by the neck, and do not 

 grasp them any tighter than is necessary to hold them. Never pick a duck up 

 by the legs because they are too easily broken. 



Feeding Methods. 



Ducks can be fed successfully on the same rations given for chickens, but 

 it is better as a rule to feed more mash feed and a larger proportion of vege- 

 table and green feeds. When ducks are raised for the green ducklings (green 

 ducklings are those which are grown very rapidly and marketed when from 8 

 to 12 weeks old. They weigh from 4 1/2 to 6 pounds each), they are fed a 

 maintenance ration only, after they have stopped laying in the summer until 

 about the first of December. Then the amount of mash is increased and a 

 laying ration given. Where ducks are kept for egg production they should be 

 given a laying ration the year around. Ducklings and ducks should be fed on 

 flat clean boards instead of in troughs. They are rapacious eaters and will stow 

 away a lot of food. If too concentrated, too rich, they will overeat and go off 

 their feed. When they have free range and a swimming place they can stand 

 heavier feeding than when confined. The ration may be mixed and made up 

 in many different ways but it is generally best to feed it in the form of a moist 

 mash. 



Ducks should always have plenty of good clean water before them. They 

 have no crops so they must have water to help wash the food into the gizzard. 



Feeding Ducklings. 



Methods Gathered From the Most Successful Raisers in the Country. 



Ducklings should not be fed until they are from 24 to 36 hours old. They 

 should always have plenty of water right by their feeding place because ducks 

 need water to wash down their food. The water should be deep enough for 

 them to run their bills in up to their eyes, as it keeps their nostrils washed out 

 and prevents disease. 



Five times daily, beginning early, feed them on a mixture of equal parts, 

 by measure, of bread crumbs and rolled oats. Into this thoroughly mix 3 per- 

 cent of sharp sand. Beginning the 4th day change this feed to equal parts corn- 

 meal, rolled oats, bran and bread ; then after the 7th day to three parts bran, 



