The Portland daily press., 1876-09-27
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.


There are four kinds of domestic ducks
that claim our attention, viz: Aylesburys
Rouen, Cayuga and Pekin; each having its
admirers. do not propose to discuss their
comparative merits here, but will simple state
that for good reasons prefer them in the
order named. I have omitted Muscovys,
because have little to say of them. Their
anee, and advise all who are unacquainted
with them never to seek an introduction.
3 It Is mistaken idea that pond or stream
Is absolutely necessary to success in raising
ducks. for, although it is beneficial, it is not a
necessity. Those who have 4 fondness for
ducks can succeed with them without boun-
tiful supply of water, yet they will not thrive
In confinement. IF one has only small yard
he should not keep more than a pair or trio,
but a dozen or more may be kept with profit
II thew can have the range of pasture or
meadow. -- 0"-'
DUCKS are great foragers and should have
good range. 1t is not enough to give them
pen extending into pond or stream. They
should be free to roam over fields, where
they may be seen at early dawn seeking
worms and insects, their favorite diet. When
this can be allowed they should never be fed
In the morning. Feed only once day, at
: night, then they will be sure to secure their
eggs, which are deposited at about daybreak.
The color of the egg varies considerably.
The first eggs of the season laid by Cayugas
are generally almost black, and the color of
the others Is pale green, but they soon lose
their shades and are creamy white in color;
although have known Rouens to lay green
ish-colored eggs throughout the season. This
Z diversity of shade cannot be accounted for,
The size OF the eggs is double that of hens
egg, very sure to be fertile, and they bear trans
portation splendidly, have frequently sent
Them q distance Of five hundred 10 fifteen
hundred miles, and from 80 to 100 per cent.
allowed with one drake. Perhaps that num-
z Der may be increased to six or eight, but I
have never risked it.
have tried to hatch ducks eggs under
ducks, but have always failed; consequently l
place them under hens and put several broods
together. After they are Matched, ducklings
should be kept in a dry yard, containing
good shelter. Never allow them free use of
streams or ponds, till they are six weeks old.
II is MOI necessary to feed them boiled eggs.
Railways use corn and oats, ground together,
4, and wheat bran in equal portions by measure
mixed and scalded. Never feed raw mush.
Ground worms are especially beneficial to
ducklings, and should be supplied them every
day II possible; 1t not, animal food should be
given them in some shape. Beef liver or 9TH
ser cheap meat may be cooked and chopped for
them, and feed stirred in the broth while it is
boiling hot. Thus nothing is lost. Never
feed whole or unlocked grain to ducklings till
they are well fedged; then alternate with
cracked corn, whole corn and other grain
cnce day, but continue the soft food. If
whole grain is fed them while young, a frothy
substance appears in their eyes, the beak be-
comes sore, and death soon follows. You
can get along without bountiful supply of
water, but not without animal food and soft
S0od.-Poultry Bulletin.