2.2,Q MAKING POULTRY PAY 



seventy-five per cent will often cover those raised by- 

 experts. 



We feed the old breeding ducks, before vi^e begin 

 to force them for eggs, about a third clover and some- 

 times plain hay and the rest bran and meal. The idea 

 is to fill them up with something bulky and when they 

 begin to lay vi^e begin with five per cent of beef scrap 

 and work up gradually, until in a week or so we will 

 be giving them ten or twelve per cent. We keep water 

 before them all the time. At a season of the year 

 when it is possible we let them have it for swimming. — 

 [George H. Pollard, Bristol County, Mass. 



In starting in the duck business the most impor- 

 tant question that arises is personal adaptability. One 

 must enjoy caring for the poultry, besides doing con- 

 scientious work. The money that is in the duck busi- 

 ness attracts a great many people. We always recom- 

 mend starting in a small way, and if successful, go 

 right ahead. The man who starts a $10,000 plant with 

 a rush is usually in at the death. If one already owns 

 a farm, $1000 capital would give one a good start 

 in the business; such an amount would be sufficient 

 to cover all expenses — two incubators, a flock of about 

 thirty ducks, a house for the breeders, a brooding 

 house and heater, feed boards and water fountains, 

 wire fencing, etc. Such a plant would keep one man 

 busy and the future growth of his plant could be 

 built on the profits. 



In buying breeding birds our experience tells us 

 that it is folly to breed from small, undersized birds, 

 and our advice to beginners is to get only the best; 

 hegin right. One pound difference in the weight of 

 •each market bird makes quite a difference in the 

 receipts at the end of the season. 



The most suitable land for a duck farm is either 

 sand or gravel, with a slope sufficient to give good 



