1921.] 



Ducks as E{;(i-Prodijcers. 



67 



The Best Laying Breeds of Ducks. — There are very few 

 first class laying breeds, but it is probable that the increased 

 interest taken in ducks will soon lead to the production of sevei al 

 new ones. Fawn and White and White Indian lUnmers, Khaki 

 Campbells and Butf Orpingtons are the best and the most popular 

 at present. The entries in the Stapleford Dyck Test, and in the 

 Test which the National Utility Poultry Society and the Utility 

 Duck Glub are carrying out in conjunction with the Great Eastern 

 Eailway Company at Bentley, seem to show that White and Fawn 

 and White Indian Eunners have been considered the best layers 

 and are, therefore, much the most widely distributed. The final 

 results at Stapleford, however, and the early reports of the Tes*: 

 at Bentley, show that Khaki Campbells are making a strong bid 

 for the premier position. It is probable, therefore, that this 

 breed in particular will meet with an increased demand in the 

 near future. 



Indian Runners, Fawn and White or White, have a very 

 upright carriage, and clean, well marked flocks are very attrac- 

 tive. They are good layers of white eggs, but being very small 

 birds are not of high value for table purposes, though if killed 

 when 9 or 10 wrecks old they make excellent eating. Birds of 

 the best strains are very good layers ; some strains have been 

 rather spoilt because a few breeders have given too much atten- 

 tion to their show points, and have practised too close breeding. 

 Indian Runners, especially the white variety, are liable to look 

 very dirty and disreputable in muddy situations unless they have 

 clean swinnning water. 



Khaki Campbells are larger and less upright in carriage than 

 Indian Runners. Owing to recent crossing with the wild duck 

 they are considered hardier birds, and more suitable for an open 

 air life. The colour more or less resembles mud, and in wet 

 weather it has not the dirty appearance of the white duck ; they 

 are, therefore, a more suitable breed for nuiddy situations and 

 where there is no swimming water or only limited accommoda- 

 tion. They average about a pound heavier than Rnnnor ducks, 

 are better table birds, and are equally as f^ood and possilily better 

 layers of white eggs. They have been exhibited very s(^ldom and 

 are bred principally for egg production. The best strains of 

 Indian Runners and Khaki Campbells are about equally good as 

 egg producers, but there appears to be a smaller proportion of 

 poor layers among the Khaki Campbells. 



Buff Orpingtons are also good layers, but on the average it 

 is probable they are not (\u\te so good as Indian Runners and 



