46 



DUCK-RAISING. 



This is a branch of the poultry industry that is being rapidly taken up 

 in this colony, and rightly so, as there is money in it. 



It is unwise to have ducks and fowls running together Keep them 

 entirely separate. 



Although it is not absolutely necessary to have a ponct for ducks, when 

 such is available there will be a better percentage of fertile eggs. The 

 young birds should only have access to the pond once a week, in order 

 that they may have a good wash. Too frequent bathing will retard 

 growth and reduce the condition of the birds. 



Ducklings should be kept in small runs, so that they can be got ready 

 for the market as early as possible, which must be when they are from 

 eight to twelve weeks old; if kept longer than three months old they 

 will go into moult, and lose condition rapidly. If allowed a big range 

 their growth will be much slower. 



It is advisable to breed only white-plumaged varieties viz., Pekin and 

 Aylesbury. The latter breed is the most suitable for the London market, 

 but the Pekin is hardier, and the better layer of the two. 



Allow four or five ducks to each drake for breeding purposes. 



The best time of the year for hatching is October and November, as 

 the eggs are better fertilised at that time. 



ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION. 



The instructions given under this heading with regard to fowl-eggs 

 apply equally to duck-eggs. 



BROODING AND FEEDING DUCKLINGS. 



The temperature of the brooder should be 90 to 95 before the duck- 

 lings are placed in it, and that heat should be maintained for the first 

 three days. After that the temperature should be gradually reduced. If 

 the ducklings crowd together, more heat is necessary. Give them liberty 

 away from the brooder by degrees, as they are apt to lose their way and 

 get chilled, which would be fatal. Should they be found huddled outside 

 the brooder put them back under the " hover." Excepting in very cold 

 weather, ducklings only require heat for about ten days. 



Their first feed should consist of two-thirds bran mixed with oat or 

 corn meal, to which should be added 10 per cent, hard-boiled egg and 

 5 per cent, small sharp grit. They must have an ample supply of water, 

 particularly at feeding-time. Never give more food at a time than they 

 will eat up clean. After the birds are a week old do not mix grit with 

 their food, but keep it within easy reach of them so that they can help 

 themselves. Ducklings should be fed every two hours the first week, 



