Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-09-01
Raising Ducks.


A WRITER in the Poultry Buuetin says
"With myself, no variety Of class OF do.
mestic fowls stand higher than the ducks !;
that they require 30 little room by com.
parison, that they are 80 easily kept, and
so free from tendency TO disease, are very
desirable points TO be attained by the anna
teur breeder; good stream of water or
pond may be considered by many indis-
pensable TO the successful raising of these
fowls, but although with proper care,
either Is of advantage; still, with the mex
perienced, such a supply of water has,
many times, caused the loss of all the
ducklings, whose Matching was awaited
with eager anticipation. In breeding
ducks, 1t Is frequent practice with myself
TO send eggs to be Matched under hens at
distant farm yards, and in nearly every
case the result has been most satisfactory
even when no water was within reach ofthe
ducklings beyond that contained in a COM
mon pan. Many premium birds have been
reared in this way. l can say with conf
dence, therefore, that my own experience
demonstrates the fact that they can be
raised successfully in a farm-yard with
simply water enough for them to drink,
Still, for the thorough qualification of
their natural instinct an abundant supply
of water, stream or pond is needful and
beneficial. One mistake made by some ad-
mirers OF these fowls is, to allow your
ducks too free access to such supplies of
water ~ afford qualification to the older
ones This should never be done. The
| young should never be sufft red to go near
pond or creek, nor in wet grass, until
| from ten to fourteen days old Previous
to that age they should be kept in warm,
| dry place, and be allowed no more water
than might be sufficient to dip their bills
in. AT the age of fortnight let them
have access to the larger supply, and their
frolics will not only prove very amusing
to the observer, but harmless to them
selves.
The character Of the food furnished to
the young has an important bearing upon
the success of duck rearing, Soft food Is
| so necessary to success therein, as TO be
deemed indispensable. For the first few
days after Matching, hard.boiled egg and
cooked meat chopped fine should be given
occasionally, but the chief supply used in
my own yard is Indian meal and "ships"
in equal quantities by measure, well mixed
aud thoroughly scalded. Use this occa-
sionally until the ducklings are two-thirds
grown; for the main article of food after
wards, alternate occasionally with grain.
The same is also good for old ducks.
|
FISH are manifestly "tid-bits' with young
ducks, and as they are not only very fond
of such food, but thrive well on it, it
should not be denied them. Any pains
we may take TO obtain 1t for them will be
amply repaid by the esgerness and salts
faction displayed by the fowls upon re-
ceiving it. In moist seasons they will or
dinarily find worms for themselves, but
when none can be found their place should
be supplied with fresh meat.
By following The directions given above
and protecting them from their stealthy
foes, the rats, no one need fear of not hav.
ing success in rearing ducks whether wa.
ter is in abundant supply or not.
In regard to the diseases of ducks
can state that they are mainly occssioned
by improper food. Hard food las un
cooked grain) given to young ducks will
occasion soreieyes, and sore beaks, and, il
continued, death soon follows. The first
symptom of trouble from this source, is 6
frothy substance on the bali of the eye
next the eyes will be found closed, anC
upon opening them mucous discharge
follows. After this the upper mandiblt
becomes sore and ceases to grow, sooI
turning purple. If the food is changed
before the last stage is reached, they car
be saved, but not after the purple colo
makes its appearance If grain could al
ways be cooked for all kinds of fowls,
saving in keeping as well as the health o
the fowls, might be realized.
Insconclusion, it may be proper II
state, that although it requires little NOR,
food to rear young ducks than chickens
their rapid growth and quick maturity
fully pay for the extra expense. But a.
maturity no more food is required for ,
, | DUCK Jnan for hon