Practical Bird-Keeping.



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some height from the ground, and so boxes should be fixed on

stumps from four to six feet high, a rough log leading from the

ground to the entrance.


The enemies that have to be fought against are foxes,

cats, stoats, weasels and rats, and it is well worth while to go to

the expense of a six-foot fence of wire-netting round the whole

enclosure. To make this proof against all furred vermin it must

be of small mesh, say five-eights of an inch. It should be sunk

into the ground for eighteen inches, and then turned outwards

for say twelve inches, and the trench filled in and rammed. At

the top of the fence also the wire should be turned outwards

for two feet, that is, an extra length of wire netting two feet

wide should be wired on to the top of the upright fence and

supported outwards at right angles by means of iron supports

screwed to the upright posts. Such a fence should be practically

vermin proof.


Ducks should be fed twice a day, on a mixture of wheat

and barley, and the quantity given should be just so much as

will be readily consumed. The birds should be taught to come

to the keeper’s whistle, and when they are once accustomed to

this they will readily swim towards him when feeding time

comes. If they do not do so it is a sign that they are being

over-fed. In cold weather, a small quantity of barley meal and

chopped boiled liver or bullock’s heart is very desirable, and, in

fact, for the diving ducks, unless they are able to obtain a good

deal of natural food, this diet should be given in small quantities

pretty constantly. Bread is also an excellent diet for most ducks,

and stale crusts, thrown into the water will be much appreciated.


As to the procedure in the nesting season. Experience

teaches us that broods left to the parent ducks are rarely reared

successfully on a large pond in a mixed collection. Many young

ducks are extraordinarily independent and will go a great distance

from their parents, thus falling victims to any enemy. It is

always best to take the eggs and entrust them to a reliable hen

to hatch. A cross between a Silkie fowl and some breed of small

bantam makes the most suitable type of hen for the purpose.

The ducks’ eggs should be taken any time after the laying of



