Favorite Breeds of Ducks 



Less disappointment will be experienced, perhaps, in 

 raising ducks than any other line of poultry. Ducks grow 

 into money fast, and this is the main consideration. They 

 are less subject to disease than chickens, and make less 

 trouble than either turkeys or geese. 



If possible, give them the range of a patch of clover, 

 but if they have to be confined to a yard, let them have 

 a swimming hole and a variety of greed food. Pekin 

 ducks are in great favor, and are good layers, beginning 

 in midwinter, and furnishing twelve to fifteen dozen 

 eggs. 



The Indian Runner will lay at four and a half to five 

 months old, if fed for that purpose. Some have been 

 known to reach 250 eggs a year, but the general run is 

 about 200. They are non-sitters, will lay ten months in 

 the year, and are profitable because of their wonderful 

 laying qualities. It does not require any more to feed 

 them than it does to feed a flock of hens of the same 

 number. 



Hatching by incubator is the best method, and the busi- 

 ness ought to be in progress by March 1. With this kind 

 of planning, young Pekins can be furnished to customers 

 from the middle of June till fall, and possibly the year 

 round. The young ducks should be fed both for growth 

 and quality. For one day after hatching no food is to be 

 given. Then light 'rations of moistened bran and corn 

 meal will do nicely. Heavy feeding is to be avoided at 

 first. When spring opens and they begin to get free exer- 



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