CHAPTER VIII 



Conclusions 



Trying it on the Ducks 



In the foregoing pages of this little book, the reader has 

 been given an insight into the problem of egg production, and 

 poultry keeping in general, from the author's viewpoint. 



The whole subject has been put in such a manner, and 

 the author has tried to state his premises clearly, so that the 

 reader was not asked to take anything for granted. 



The whole book has treated the subject with reference 

 to hens only as producers. The production of duck eggs has 

 taken great strides in the last few years, especially with the 

 Indian Runner ducks, which have been termed "the Leghorns 

 of the duck family." 



In the keeping of ducks, however, the author does not 

 feel competent to speak from actual experience. By the pro- 

 cess of deduction, it is reasonable to predict that the same 

 general effects of a longer business day will apply equally 

 well in the production of eggs from ducks as from hens ; and, 

 on this deduction, this question should be worth serious con- 

 sideration by those engaged in this branch of the poultry 

 industry. It is well known that the duck family are naturally 

 more nocturnal in their habits than hens. 



Heredity and Performance 



The flocks which we use for heavy egg production must 

 be produced from birds which are known to be good layers. 

 The birds must come from vigorous stock in order to grow 

 and thrive quickly into producers. 



Some seem to be prejudiced against breeding from hens 

 which have laid well during the winter ; but, if heredity counts 

 for anything, how are we going to produce good winter layers 

 unless we breed from those which have produced eggs freely 

 in winter? If hens do not lay during the winter^ can we 

 reasonably expect winter layers as a result of transmitted 

 heredity from such hens? If hens do not produce well in the 



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