DUCKS AND GEESE 379 
locations the breeding ducks are in their element. Ducks intended 
for market rarely have a chance to swim. They are confined to 
yards and fed special rations until about 10 weeks old. 
2. Farm ducks.—But ducks lend themselves to farm 
culture also. They dislike coops or inclosures; and as 
soon after hatching as it is safe to let them out they 
should be allowed the open fields and orchards, but not 
access to any but drinking water until they are feathered. 
If a running stream is near they will in a large measure 
gather their own food. The farm flock generally takes 
care of itself, but provision of housing so as to secure the. 
eggs during the laying season is necessary, else many will 
be lost. Laying ducks usually are confined indoors at 
night and until they have laid in the morning. To have 
well-fertilized eggs from the old ducks not more than six 
to eight should be given to one drake. 
FARM FLock FoR Eccs, MEAT AND FEATHERS 
3. Hatching and first care— While it is not uncommon 
to allow old ducks to hatch their eggs and to brood the 
young ducklings, the eggs are generally hatched by hens. 
This is because of the better care these false mothers 
give during the early days after hatching. Four weeks 
are required for incubation. After quitting the eggs the 
ducklings are shut up for a few days and fed on soft food 
