120 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



cellent broilers. This particular breed has been 

 discussed at length because it is less well known than 

 the Pekin and because it has qualities which com- 

 mend it especially, the writer believes, to the ama- 

 teur. Most beginners, at least, do not care to raise 

 poultry purely for the table. The suggestion of 

 taking life is made too emphatic. The Indian Run- 

 ner may be raised mainly for the eggs produced, 

 with the meat supply as a supplementary item. 



It is true that breeders of Pekin ducks often are 

 able to sell the /young birds alive, although at a de- 

 creased profit. There is no question that *Pekins 

 are money-makers; perhaps they are the most 

 famous of market fowl, for they are distinctly a 

 meat breed. Being pure white, they dress to good 

 advantage and the feathers are worth forty cents 

 or more a pound. If properly grown, these ducks 

 are ready for market at ten weeks or a little more, 

 when they weigh five or six pounds. 



Pekin ducks and ducklings may be given the 

 rations and general care described for Indian Run- 

 ners, except that a larger percentage of corn meal 

 is needed when the ducks are being fattened for 

 the table. The ducklings are timid and easily 

 stampeded, sometimes piling up in a corner when 



