DUCKS AND GEESE 



not make a desirable type of market duck. They 

 have arisett simply from the crossing of standard 

 breeds with resultant carelessness and indifference 

 in breeding. Because of the care with which they 

 have been selected and bred for definite purposes, 

 the standard breeds are decidedly superior to the 

 common "puddle" ducks and should by all means 

 be kept in preference since they will yield better 

 results and greater profits. 



In addition to the standard breeds and varieties 

 flocks of Mallards are also kept to a limited extent. 

 The Mallard is a common small wild duck which 

 has lent itself readily to domestication and which 

 thrives with proper care under confined conditions. 

 In weight, the drakes will run from 2i pounds to 3 

 pounds or even a little larger. The ducks average 

 about 2i pounds with a variation of from 1 pound 

 12 ounces to 2 pounds 8 ounces. By selecting the 

 large eggs for hatching and by liberal feeding, it is 

 easy to increase the size of Mallards to such an ex- 

 tent that they resemble small Rouens rather than 

 wild Mallards. The plumage of the Mallard is very 

 similar to that of the Rouen but of a lighter shade. 

 Another small wild duck known as the Wood or 

 Carolina duck, which is a native of North America, 

 has been domesticated and on account of the great 

 beauty of its plumage is usually to be found wher- 

 ever ornamental waterfowl are kept. The Man- 

 darin duck is a small duck of about the same size as 

 the Wood duck, is of beautiful plumage and like the 



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