228 



LIVESTOCK ON THE FARM 



ha\-e l)een established where thousands of duckhngs are reared 

 for th(> market every year. These are hatched and reared 

 artificially and are usually killed and dressed at twelve weeks of 

 ase. 



Among the many popular varieties of ducks are the Pekin, 

 the Aylesl^y, the Kaven, the Cayuga, the Indian Runner, and 

 the Aluscovy. 



Feeding Breeding Ducks. — Breeding ducks are usually fed 

 on gi'ound grains and mill feeds mixed with water or milk. 

 Soine (luck rais(M-s boil vegetables anil other food foi- them but 



Fill. 60.— Pekin ducks. 



this is unnecessary as they do just as well on raw foods. ^^ hole 

 grain is often fed and ducks appear to thrive on it but they do 

 much l)etter and it is more economical if fed ground. They 

 reciuire plenty of green food every day as well as grit, oyster 

 shell and plentj' of water for swimming ami drinking. 



Feeding Ducklings. — Ducklings should lie fed entirely on 

 soft food ami like other 3'oung stock should not be fed before 

 they are at least twenty-four hours okl. The first few rations 

 should consist of bread moistened with milk or water or hard- 

 boiled egg mixed with four limes its weight of dry liread. 

 Alter this a good poultr}' mash fed three or four tinu's a day 

 should be given. It is important to keep drinking water 

 close liy at feetling time as the}' recpiire plenty of it along with 



