114 



BIGGLK POUI.TRY BOOK. 



cramps and convulsions, because they are allowed to 

 enter the water too young or too early in the season 

 while the water is cold. Cold spring water even in 

 summer is fatal to them. 



For the first ten days ducklings, with hens, do best 

 in small yards, like those described for confining young 

 turkeys. The coop should have a board bottom, to 

 prevent the hen mother from scratching earth over 

 her downy brood. All the water they need is enough 

 to drink and to dip their heads into, to wash out their 

 nostrils and c\cs. It is difficult for a duck to eat 



without the fre- 

 q u e n t use of 

 water. A duck- 

 ling will drink 

 about one hun- 

 dred times, more 

 or less, while 

 eating a single 

 meal. The water 

 AN UNNATURAL FAMILY. vcsscls, there- 



fore, should be close to the feeding trough, but so 

 arranged that they cannot get in them with their feet 

 or dip their heads in deep enough to throw water over 

 their backs. 



Healthy dvicklings have a voracious appetite and 

 will eat whatever is set before them. Dry bread soaked 

 in milk is excellent food for the first two days. In 

 passing it may ])e said that it is not advisable to give 

 ducklings milk to drink ; it should always be used for 

 mixing their feed. They will get it on their down 

 and in their eyes, and thus not only spoil their good 



