RANKIN'S DUCK BOOK 



least, two months older than the ducks, as the latter will 

 mature some two or three months earlier and begin their 

 egg production two or "three months before the drakes are 

 ready for breeding. As a consequence, we always selected 

 our February hatched drakes for breeding purposes. 



This came a little hard, as those birds averaged to dress 

 seven to nine pounds at ten weeks old and always brought, 

 at least, 30c per pound at that time in the market, making 

 them worth about $2.50 each. Would-be purchasers thought 

 we were crazy when we charged $3.00 each for these birds 

 at eight months old, expected us to keep them for six months 

 and coop them for less than fifty cents. 



Now this selection of early hatched birds is absolutely 

 necessary for good profits, as early hatched, means early 

 reproduction and these great profits can hardly be ignored. 

 We sold thousands of birds at that time for 30c per pound, 

 having almost complete control of Boston and New York 

 markets for at least six weeks. 



Later in the season, when many of the ducks are off 

 duty from a desire to incubate, the proportion should be 

 about one drake to ten ducks. Be particular about this, 

 as the eggs will be much more fertile if a part of the drakes 

 are removed. The feeding boxes should be long and roomy ; 

 mine are 6x7 feet long, eight inches wide and three inches 

 high. This is essential, as the birds are rapid eaters, and if 

 there is not room, some will gorge themselves to repletion, 

 while others will get but little. Do not keep food by them, 

 as that will clog their appetites, and always effects the egg 

 production, as well as the condition of the birds. 



Keep the Feed Clean 



I have often visited poultry establishments where the 

 food was lying around in all conditions, — in troughs, on the 

 ground, trodden upon, mixed with excrement and filth ; had 

 become sour and offensive, so that the birds would not eat 

 it. The attendant would go his rounds periodically and 

 throw more food upon the already offensive mass ; the owner 

 looking on, passively complaining that his ducks did not 

 lay and his ducklings would not fat. 



I required my men to go the rounds after feeding, and 

 if there was any food left, to take it up clean. If this is 

 insisted on they will soon learn to feed just what is required 

 and no more. Clean feeding is of the utmost importance, 

 both for young and old birds, and neither will thrive from 

 overfeeding, as it destroys the appetite completely. Another 



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