no BIGGI.E POULTRY BOOK. 



aud will uot require to be fed during March, April and 

 May. The proper feed for such ducks, to induce early 

 and prolific laying, is well illustrated by the practice 

 of a successful breeder who commonly winters about 

 five himdred. He feeds them on equal parts of boiled 

 turnips, wheat, bran, and corn meal, with a little — say 

 ten per cent. — of ground beef scraps thrown in. This 

 is mixed thoroughly together while the turnips are hot, 

 and constitute the entire feed during the winter and 

 spring. About the first of January or a little later, 

 when they begin to lay, the proportion of bran and 

 meat scraps should be increased. 



This mess is fed morning and evening, and at 

 noon they have a light meal of dry food composed of 

 equal parts of cracked corn, oats and wheat. 



Ducks kept expressly for market eggs require no 

 drakes with them, which is one of the points in favor 

 of this part of the business. As soon as the price 

 drops and the egg supply begins to run low the layers 

 should be sent to market. 



When large numbers are kept, either for laying 

 or breeding, large houses properly constructed are 

 required. The character of these houses will be deter- 

 mined by the climate and other circumstances. Where 

 the winters are mild and snow seldom tarries long on 

 the ground long open sheds will suffice; but where the 

 winters are long and severe and snow lingers, large, 

 storm-proof houses are needed. While ducks are 

 hardy and can endure more cold and wet weather than 

 chickens, when early laying is the object sought the 

 layers must be shielded from the severity of the 

 weather. James Rankin, in his excellent treatise on 



