-62 



Ducks as Egg-Producers. 



[ArR , 



If the weather is warm and moist and there is an abundance of 

 worms, or if the eggs are required for incubation, the amount of 

 fishmeal should be reduced. If eggs are being freely produced 

 in April and May in moist weather, it is a good plan to reduce 

 the amount of fishmeal considerably, so that it is possible to 

 increase it when the weather gets hotter and drier and less 

 natural food is available. When the moult commences in July 

 and August, fishmeal should not be given but introduced again 

 as a strong incentive to egg production after the moult. 



It is advisable to breed and rear at home the young ducklets 

 which are to become a new laying flock in September. Four 

 drakerels should be run with each flock of 20 ducks. Whole 

 oats should be largely fed and less mash and fishmeal given as 

 stock birds should not be forced. It is easier to hatch duck eggs 

 under hens than incubators, and April and May are the be-it 

 months for hatching laying ducks. 



