REARING OF MALLARD DUCKS

Southland Times, Issue 24592, 14 November 1941, Page 3

REARING OF MALLARD DUCKS

DIFFICULTIES AT GAME FARM The difficulties in rearing Canadian mallard ducks on the society’s game farm at Makarewa were described by Mr D. Wishart at the meeting of the council of the Southland Acclimatization Society last night. Mr Wishart said that the birds were dying for no apparent reason, whereas those that were in the pond at the rose gardens were thriving. He did not think there was enough water at the game farm. If a lagoon could be secured with plenty of natural cover he thought the birds would do well. The birds had to have plenty of water, said Mr A. E. Brandford. If they did not get it they got white-eye and died. Dr G. B. Orbell said the birds at the game farm were evidently not getting enough natural food, such as worms and insects. It would be more satisfactory if they could be reared under natural conditions. Members suggested that if the birds could be reared on a lagoon with natural cover they would do well. It was stated that there was a big lagoon at Te Anau behind the hatchery which might be suitable. It was left to the Game Committee to consider the matter further.