and then thickened with equal parts cornmeal and bran forms 

 a mixture that ducks thrive upon. Either bran or something 

 green should form a part of every meal in zvinter. Both are 

 important factors in duck feeding." This is quoted from an 

 article in the "American Poultry Advocate." The same breeder 

 mentions cutting rye when it is frozen and storing it for the 

 ducks; also the use of cut clover or Alfalfa scalded, and thinks 

 it much better to provide grit separately, not mixing it with the 

 feed. 



On the other hand, Mrs. Mellette tells an inquirer not get- 

 ting enough eggs, who feeds "mill feed, ground barley and wheat, 

 with grit and charcoal in a hopper and all the grass they want," 

 that this is not a suitable ration for ducks, and that their grit 

 should be mixed with the mash; as should also the green feed. 

 This last is probably the custom of the great majority of breeders 

 of yarded ducks. 



Mrs. Mellette also says that the ducks do not seek sheltei 

 in heavy California rains. Last winter she had a flock of ducks 

 laying in December that were hatched in July, — the last day of 

 the month. The ducks lay there "steadily during the winter 

 season, when eggs are 60c a dozen," she says ; also, that the table 

 birds bring from 85c to a dollar, according to the demand. 

 Answering in detail just what should be fed to grown ducks, she 

 replies : "First, a duck needs green feed, then meat in some 

 form, next shell and bone, and after that, a good, rich mash." 

 As ingredients of the mash, she uses rice meal, ground oats, 

 ^'balanced ration" meal, rolled barley soaked till swelled, and some 

 wheat. This mash is fed three times a day when pushing for 

 eggs. During the rest season she feeds little to ducks on good 

 range. 



Although hundreds and doubtless thousands of Runners are 

 raised, both here and abroad, without water for swimming, it is 

 not natural, and we should, I think, consider the natural state 



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