HOW TO REAR DUCKLINGS

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 21 August 1912, Page 7

HOW TO REAR DUCKLINGS

The first question to decide when one is thinking of rearing a few ducklings for the table is, which is the most suitable variety for the purpose. There are such a" number of breeds to-day that the novice becomes bewildered in making a choice. One cannot, however, go" far wrong- in choosing such breeds as the Pekin or the Aylesbury, or a cross between the two, as such birds are of good size and mature rapidly. If ducks' eggs are to be bought for hatching, preference should be given to those produced by birds with free range and swimming water, as these generally prove the strongest in fertility. Making a Nest for Ducks' Eggs. When making a nest for the incubation of ducks' eggs, it. should be composed of the same materials as those used in the construction of nests in

AN IDEAL TABLE DUCK. which hens' eggs are to be set, wifh this exception, its base should be formed out of the bare earth by making a hollow therein, as ducks' eggs invariably do better when set on damp soil, and under a bottomless coop placed out in the open, in some quiet place. Whilst sitting, the hen should have attention in the way of feeding —that is, if she will not leave the nest, daily to feed, drink, etc., of her own accord; and when the ducklings are on the eve of hatching the eggs should be given a sprinkling with warm water to soften their membranes and so enable the ducklings to more easily break through. When hatched out, the ducklings should be left quietly under the hen, all that they require for '24 hours being warmth. The empty shells, however, may be removed from the nest t>o render it more comfortable for the brood. Feeding the Ducklings. When thoroughly dry and strong the ducklings should be cooped with the hen until they are a week old, 'after which they will be able to take \ care of themselves if well sheltered from cold winds and wet. The first food for the ducklings may consist of hard-boiled egg, chopped finely, and mixed with stale breadcrumbs, and the best way to serve the food is in an ordinary tea saucer, with an inverted teacup placed in its centre. The food should be placed in the saucer, and around the cup, and a little water poured on it. When the ducklings will be able to eat without hurting each other, or dabbling their {o.et in the food. After two days egg and bread feeding the ducklings may j * have scalded biscuit meal, rolled oats soaked in water for a time, and mashes made from barley meal and sharps. A little meat occasionally will be beneficial; also earth worms if these are obtainable. General Management. At three weeks old their food can consist chiefly of house scraps and meal, but should the former be deficient in animal matter the same must be supplied in the form of rough butcher's meat, chopped and boiled. The birds will require feeding thrice daily «, between the ages of three weeks and ten weeks, and to ensur a desirable growth and quality of flesh, no water should' be given beyond a drink at feeding time, while between meals the exercise allowed should be extremely, limited. All through the rearing period the ducklings should have a supply of grit, and, if not reared on grass, a daily feed of green stuff to keep them in health. All along, cleanliness should be observed both in the feeding and sleeping quarters. Should the weather be hot, the duck lings will need shading from the rays of the sun, otherwise they will be liable to get sunstroke.