Chapter XVI 



Sundry Topics 



I 



N our final chapter there are sundry topics that remain for 

 consideration. 



Duck Raising 



The duck industry is one of growing proportions. On 

 Long Island there are about 40 duck farms and the annual 

 output in ducklings is more than 350,000. The Pekin duck 

 has preference above all others for market purposes. Duck- 

 lings are sold at ten to twelve weeks of age, when their average 

 weight is about six pounds. 



The Pekin lays from 100 to 140 eggs In a season. Eggs for 

 hatching are always in demand. Eggs can be hatched either 

 with a hen or in an incubator. Successful incubation depends 

 upon an even temperature with adequate moisture and venti- 

 lation. 



Ducklings should not be fed for 36 hours after hatching. 

 They can then be started on stale bread, hard boiled egg, milk 

 and sharp sand, making a crumbly mash. After the fourth 

 day from hatching, feed a mash as follows : 



Bran 3 parts 



Wheat Middlings 2 parts 



Corn meal 3 parts 



Meat scrap 5 parts 



Sand or grit 2 parts 



Green feed 5 parts 



These ingredients are determined by measure and should 

 be made into a moist mash and fed four times a day. Water 

 must be supplied in abundance. During the winter season the 

 breeding stock should be fed whole grains and should have 

 access to grit and water. 



Ducks very rarely become sick and for that reason are 

 easily raised. Some of the more common diseases are cholera, 

 coccidiosis, enteritis and worms. 



Feathers are of considerable value. Unless the producer 

 is skilled in plucking, it will be more profitable to ship alive 

 than to dress for market. 



[205] 



