248 



PO UL TR T- CRAFT. 



375. Feather Pulling is a common vice among ducklings kept in large 

 numbers in small yards, and a difficult one to deal with. There is no sure 

 cure. It begins when the large quill feathers of the wings are coming through 

 the skin. They often cause bleeding, and curiosity and the taste of blood 

 develops the vice. If taken in time, much may be done to stamp it out. At 

 first both victims and offenders are few in number, and if they are removed, 

 or even if the offenders only are removed, there is no further trouble. If the 

 vice becomes general, about all that can be done is to feed heavier of meat, 

 and try to keep the ducks busy. A few large bones with a little raw meat 

 adhering, placed about the yard, will help in this. 



