RANKIN'S DUCK BOOK 



out in the top of these boards into which the pipes are laid, 

 the upper surface of which comes flush with the top of the 

 boards, so that when the cover of brooders is in position it 

 rests equally on pipes and boards. 



The distance between these boards corresponds with the 

 width of pens outside of brooder, and constitute partitions for 

 the same. The partitions are simply inch boards, twelve or 

 fourteen inches wide, fitting into ground in front of building 

 to keep them upright and in position. The fr-jnt of the brood- 

 er leading into the pens is cut out in c--.cre of brooder four 

 feet long and four inches deep to allow the free passage of 

 the ducklings. These openings in the first four pens are fring- 

 ed with woolen cloth, cut up every four inches, to keep the 

 brooder warmer in cold weather. The remaining brooders are 

 not fringed, for reasons which will appear hereafter. The 

 heater can be located in the end of building most convenient 

 to the operator. 



The bottom of the pens should consist of sand which, 

 when it becomes wet, and before it becomes offensive, should 

 be covered with fine sawdust. This is a good absorbent and 

 disinfectant as well. The inside of the four brooders next the 

 heater should be filled up with hay chaff to within four inches 

 of the pipes, the distance being gradually increased as you 

 near the other end of the building, until the whole eight inches 

 in height will be required, using simply sawdust enough to 

 disinfect the bottom of brooder. This was my brooding ar- 

 rangement, with the exception of a common door handle 

 screwed on each brooder cover to facilitate handling. It may 

 not suit every one ; some may want it more ornamental, more 

 expensive, others may wish to simplify it still more. But such 

 as it is, it is now all ready for use, with heat applied. 



But those little ducklings, who have been waiting all this 

 time in the machine, are getting both hungry and impatient, 

 and require immediate attention. The food which has already 

 been prepared, consists of a formula composed of four parts 

 wheat-bran, one part corn-meal with enough of low grade flour 

 to connect the mass without making it sticky or pasty, in 

 fact, it should be crumbly so that the little birds can eat it 

 readily. About five per cent, of fine, sharp grit should be 

 mixed into their first feed, after that, one or two per cent, is 

 all sufficient. This grit should be increased in size as the birds 

 grow older. 



About the third day, a little fine beef-scrap should be in- 

 troduced, soaking it a little before mixing. When a few days 

 old, a little green rye, if obtainable, should be given them, or 



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