POULTRY AND ITS CARE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 244, 16 October 1940, Page 2

POULTRY AND ITS CARE

HATCHING DUCKS. October and November are really the two best months for hatching duck eggs, although September is also quite suitable. These are two methods of hatching ducks, the same as hens—by broodies and by incubator. The broody hen or duck is certainly the best, but incubators are quite satisfactory. Whichever is used it' success is desired it is most important that the eggs should be fresh and certainly no more than a week old, especially in hot weather, as a duck egg will begin to germinate at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If broody hens or ducks are used the first consideration is to free these birds from vermin. The caretui breeder leaves nothing to chance with valuable eggs taking from 28 to 35 days to hatch. It is well worth the trouble where rats are numerous to obtain a box two feet square, knock the bottom out and nail one-inch mesh wire netting in its place. After cutting a front opening about three parts down sink the box three inches in the ground and cover the netting Irom inside with a square bag. Then till to ground level, using moist soil or sand. Hollow tne centre out and place a little hay or straw in it. 11 the above method is followed rats may burrow under with no ill effects. The front opening can be closed during hatching. See that there is moisture about the nest. II the weather is dry or windy it would be wise to sprinkle the eggs with luke-warm water during the bird's absence alter the seventh day onwards, until piping begins. Do not disturb the bird until the hatch is well over. Never use any strong insect destroyer in the nest or on the bird alter the first few days, as many settings have been spoiled in this way. Also remove bad smelling eggs and if any eggs are broken clean out the nest and put in fresh straw. Hatching by Incubator. Bring up the temperature slowly to 101 degrees and then during tile next 24 hours to 102, by the sixth day to 1024, and from the fourteenth day onwards to 103. The first turning of the eggs should be made at 48 hours, then leave them for the next 24 hours. Just turn and put them back without cooling. From the fourth day sprinkle once daily lightly with warm water as you are pushing the tray back. After the seventh day spray heavily with warm water morning and nignt. No airing is required. Continue in this manner till you notice the first eggs piping, which should be on the twenty-sixth day. On the twenty-seventh day a good number should be chipped. Open the machine and spray quickly with warm water, just hot enough to hold in your mouth, then close up the incubator till the hatch is over. Remove the ducklings when ready to a brooder nicely warmed to 98 degrees if the weather is cold. Put dry sand on the floor and where the young ducks are likely to run about. Have a water vessel handy, one deep enough for the little ones to be able to wash their heads, otherwise they will get sore eyes, which will soon prove fatal. The drinking dish must not be large enough for the ducks to puddle in or they would puddle up their whole surroundings and trouble will begin. The best method to prevent this is to dig a hole just small enough to be covered by an old car radiator and place the drinking vessel on it. This will keep the yard dry and also prevent the young birds from getting dirty. Take the dryegg shells from the mcubator, rub up rairly fine on tn<? brooder floor near the water ana float a little on the water. The ducklings will snap at it and learn to arink at once. Egg-sheil, sanu ana water are all that are required for the nrst 48 hours. After tms make a mash oi two parts of pollard and one part ol bran. Some prefer one pan ol pollard, one of maizemeal and one oi bran. To either mixture add a little finely ground oyster-shell grit until the birds are seen to eat tnemselves, which should always be available to them. Mix the masn with warm water to a iairly crumbly state and feed it on a bag so that it can be removed if any is left over, but do not be in too great a hurry to take it away tor the nrst few meals, as the weaker ducklings will go hungry, and you will have an uneven lot at seven days. It must be remembeftd there are two grades o£ pollard, and if the white pollard is used it would be better to make the first week's mash ot two parts bran and one pollard and after that change to two oi pollard and one of bran, but if the brown pollard is used the first is the best. At 14 days add one part of finely-cut green food and increase the quantity as the ducklings grow to 20 per cent, at maturity. Feed them often, but never leave enough to go sour. Some prefer to feed ducklings on a dry mash. If this is done it will he necessary to place the dry mash on a bag and they will take what they xequire and damp it in the water tin. Whether dry or wet mash is used it should be placed well away from the drinking water as they will get plenty of exercise running between the food and water. A grass run should be provided for the) ducklings if the weather is dry, but they should be kept inside for a while if the grass is wet. Shade is very important during hot days or they will be sunstruck. Ducks also dislike wind and shelter is necessary if they are in an exposed position.