524 



COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



available for ducks. Houses for ducks are simple aifairs, but 

 they must be free from dampness and located so as to be assured 

 of good drainage — preferably on sandy soil. The feathers of a 

 duck are almost impenetrable to cold, but its feet are rather sus- 

 ceptible, much as a hen's comb and wattles. The duck likes to 

 warm its feet, and to this end it is advisable to have a dry dirt 

 floor in the duck house, covered with straw, hay, shavings or 



Fig. 322. — Aylesbury ducks.- 



other litter. Some breeders advocate a board floor, but this is 

 scarcely necessary unless it is impossible to maintain a com- 

 paratively dry earth floor. 



The beginner should start modestly and develop his plant 

 only as his experience increases and his capital warrants; for 

 duck raising is an arduous task and requires an absolute knowl- 

 edge of the business before success can be reached. Every phase 

 of the work should be carefully studied with the idea of minimiz- 



