FOOD AND DRINK 527 



course, be so forcing as that intended for the market birds: 

 Equal parts corn meal, wheat bran, green food; 5 per cent beef 

 scraps, and 5 per cent coarse sand or grit. Mix with water to 

 a moistened, crumbly state — not sloppy — and feed three times a 

 day, the last feed to be given an hour before sundown. 



Grit is as essential to ducks as it is to chickens, and should 

 be kept before the birds at all times, in addition to being fed in 

 the mash. The sand used in the mash supplies a certain amount 

 of the necessary grinding material, and the duck will pick up 

 more on range ; yet this is not sufficient to fully satisfy the diges- 

 tive demands. A supply of oyster shells should also be kept in 

 a convenient place. 



Heavy Drinkers. — As previously stated, water for bathing is 

 not necessary for growing ducks, but it is most important that 

 they have access to a liberal supply of fresh drinking water at 

 all times. Ducks are heavy drinkers, and it has been said that 

 the only neglect which will kill young ducks is failure to provide 

 them with sufficient water, in a vessel deep enough for them to 

 get their heads beneath the surface. Ducklings like to immerse 

 their eyes — a habit which seems to be essential to their well- 

 being. Obviously, the water should be kept as fresh as possible. 



