538 



The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



" It is tolerably well known that a most extensive trade is carried on in this neighbourhood in 

 young ducks for the London market ; all the surrounding villages send their quota of young birds 

 to the railway-stations about twice a week, and on these ' extra' days sometimes several tons' 

 weight will go up to town in a singlfe night, and the demand is still increasing. The large duck- 

 breeders commence collecting eggs from the neighbourhood about Michaelmas. They generally 

 contract to take them for the whole season, by which they get them for much less money, generally 

 about two shillings a sitting, until June, when collection ceases. These eggs are set under hens, 

 and one person will have a hundred and fifty hens sitting at one time. Most fanciers have to 

 wait several days ; but these people, by long experience, can tell after a few hours, by holding 

 them up to the light, how many eggs will prove good, and the useless ones are taken away and 

 fresh supplied, in time to hatch out with the rest. The hens are taken off to feed once a day, and 

 if any eggs are broken they are taken away at once, and the remaining eggs and nest perfectly 

 cleaned. Every care is taken in this way. The hens are contracted for by the season, the same 

 as the eggs are ; about three shillings and sixpence each being generally about the price. They 

 are set every week as fast as they can be procured. 



" When the ducklings are hatched several broods are put together, one hen taking charge of 

 fifty ducklings or more, as they do not want brooding like chickens. They are fed regularly three 

 times a day, the very first food being hard-boiled eggs, rice, and bread ; afterwards with greaves 

 and barley-meal [see Mr. Fowler's description of the way this food is prepared], grains, and 

 toppings. They require keeping very clean, and fresh straw every day, and have to be kept from 

 draughts, as they are subject to cramp. Some let them go into the water once a dajf for a 

 short time, and others not ; I think they do best with the indulgence. They have a little water- 

 stand by them with some grit in it. Many think that this grit found in the Vale is different to any 

 other— they certainly are very fond of it, and, without doubt, it is very beneficial in assisting 

 to digest the food. 



" About eight weeks old they are quite ready for the market, and are killed weekly at that 

 age. The weight is considered very good if they reach four pounds at that time, and the cost of 

 feeding to this age is about two shillings each. March is the dearest time in the London market, 

 and they will then make seventeen to nineteen shillings a couple. Of course the seasons difter a 

 little, but they always sell very high for a few weeks, and then begin gradually to decline in price 

 until June, when they arc not much more than five or six shillings a couple, and the season is 

 considered over. Indeed they do not succeed later, the hot weather producing giddiness when 

 kept so many together, so that they do not remunerate for the trouble and expense of rearing 

 after that time. 



" They are generally hatched for exhibition about March and April, and such are treated in a 

 more hardy manner than the market birds. They have access to water more freely, and great 

 pains are taken to keep them from the sun, which tans' both their bills and plumage. The peculiar 

 grit found in the Vale greatly helps to keep their bills clean, and also to give health and vigour to 

 their frames. The softer and clearer the water is the better. The young birds require good and 

 regular feeding three times a day, and should be let out in the water for two hours every morning 

 before the sun gets any power. While they are away, clean out the houses, and give plenty of fresh 

 straw— they will then keep beautifully clean and white. The best food I always found, to produce 

 wci£-/a without producing fat, is good barley-meal, mixed with boiled greaves, quite stiff, and 

 /ik/i/j of green food, such as lettuce, cabbage, or any other garden produce that can be spared. 

 They are very fond of green food, and it is veiy cooling in the hot weather. I will only add that 

 exhibition birds require keeping quiet, and plenty of room, when they feed better. My own houses 



