130 BIRDS 



pond is frozen over is fraught with danger, as the birds 

 may dive under the ice and fail to reappear. 



The usual grains — wheat, barley, kafiir corn, etc. — form 

 the staple food of adult ducks. Cracked corn is much used 

 in America, and it must be admitted that this grain does 

 not seem to exercise the adverse effect on ducks that it does 

 on most other birds. Many breeders give their birds occa- 

 sional mashes of duck meal. Spratt's Patent Game Food, 

 dry, thrown on the water two or three times weekly, will 

 be found to benefit the birds. Dry bread crusts are always 

 relished. Green food is very necessary, all of the usual 

 kinds being eaten greedily. Ducks are especially fond of 

 water hyacinth, duckweed and watercress. Fresh grass, cut 

 in short lengths, and thrown in small quantities into the 

 water, is excellent. 



The above items will be found sufficient for surface- 

 feeding species. The diving ducks, such as Canvasbacks, 

 Scaup, etc., are no more difficult to keep in health, once 

 they have become accustomed to captivity. When first re- 

 ceived from the trapper, it is necessary to confine such birds 

 in small, dry quarters, well secluded, until they are feeding 

 satisfactorily. When finally well on grain, they will thrive 

 in common with the other birds, but will benefit by a bit 

 of chopped fish or a few minnows, once or twice weekly. 



Unless a covered aviary is provided, or there are unusual 

 facilities for catching the birds easily at intervals and 

 clipping their wings, it is best to pinion them permanently. 

 The operation is easily performed. A point just beyond 

 the bastard wing or thumb should be selected. One or two 

 of the primaries should be drawn and a tight ligature of 

 stout, uncolored twine applied. The bone is then severed 

 with a pair of strong pruning-shears. If the tie has been 

 properly made, there will be no blood. If the weather is 

 .warm, an antiseptic powder may be applied, but if the birds 



