DUCKS AND GEESE 



droppings and carting them away. In wet weather 

 the ducks in running about over the yard pack down 

 the droppings until they form a sort of putty-like 

 layer which has to be scraped off with a hoe. 



Critical Period with Young Ducks. The critical 

 period with young ducks is the first week of their 

 existence. With good management after they have 

 passed this point not many are lost. The loss in 

 young ducks from the time they are hatched until 

 they are ready for market will range all the way 

 from 5 to 30%. When the loss does not average 

 more than 10% for the season this is considered 

 good. Undoubtedly many duck raisers lose a greater 

 percent than 10. 



Disease Prevention 



Trouble from disease in young ducks is not severe 

 although there is a greater loss from this source 

 than in the case of mature ducks. The aim of the 

 grower should be to use such methods of manage- 

 ment and feeding as will keep the ducklings in good 

 health and reduce the losses to a minimum. To ac- 

 complish this care must be taken to see that the 

 brooding temperatures are correct, that the feed 

 used contains what the ducklings need, that they 

 are not overfed and that the house and yards are 

 clean and dry and the feed and water dishes are 

 clean. Remember that green feed and animal feed 

 are essential ingredients in the ration. 



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