MANAGEMENT OF THE BREEDING STOCK 



larger than 100 by 200 feet including the water part 

 of the yard. Houses and yards should be located 

 on sand if possible as this is easier to keep clean and 

 therefore keeps the birds in better condition. Occa- 

 sional flocks of breeding ducks are allowed their 

 liberty but this is not common practice nor is it good 

 practice unless the surroundings are clean and the 

 ducks do not have access to stagnant mud or refuse 

 in which they can work. If ducks work too much in 

 this kind of material they will eat more or less of it 

 which injures the eggs for hatching purposes. 



Many different styles of houses are used for breed- 

 ers, some of which are decidedly more elaborate than 

 is necessary. A very satisfactory economical house 

 is one 20 feet deep, 7 feet high in front and 4 feet at 

 back, with a shed roof. This can be constructed 

 of tongue and groove material or may be made of 

 unmatched stuff and covered with paper. A house 

 of this proportion makes a good light house and it 

 can be carried in length according to the size of the 

 flock. For a breeding unit of 200 ducks, which is a 

 good unit to use, a house 20 feet deep and 30 to 40 

 feet long is suitable. No floor is used in the house 

 but it should be well filled up with dirt so that the 

 water will not come in. 



One or more good sized openings are left in the 

 front of the breeding house for ventilation, or win- 

 dows may be placed in the front which can be used 

 for this purpose. Good ventilation is necessary. 

 Additional ventilation is secured from the doors. If 



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