The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1895-04-30
cure hold. The operation * very
easy, and will efrectuaily confns the
tail during the milking operation.
TIE DUCK RAISING pv-rxE,...;;.


The Embarrassing business is I'M
doubtedly still in it's infancy, though
it must be admitted to have made great
strides within the past few years. Or
iginally confined to only few, it has
spread rapidly through many parts OF
the East and IL extending into the
West as farmers understand better the
details OF the business and the salts
factory returns it makes.
Nobody denies that there is money
iii chickens if skillfully managed and
marketed; but those who have tried it
find there is much more in ducks. The
latter require less care, are much freer
from disease and insects than chickens,
and their quick maturity enables the
rapid turning over Of money. In adj
dition to these must be noted the
higher market price.
Although ducks Will lay an occa-
sional egg during the winter months,
yet they do not regularly start in I'M
til February. They will then continue
to lay for about five months, with n
few brief Intermissions, 80 eggs per
annum being n good average. In
mating, one drake TO six ducks is suf-
iicient. As they luy for IL long time
before becoming broody, it is neces-
sary to employ au iucUbEtIr or hen
for the earliest broo Is. For that mat
ter, many duck-raisers employ hens
exclusively for this part OF the bust
ness, rs they make better mothers than
ducks and are less clumsy in their
movements. Duck eggs require
twenty eight days for Matching. The
youag ducks should not be fed until
they are twenty-four hours old. Their
first meal should consist of hard boiled
eggs mixed with oatmeal, or stale
bread crumbs soaked in milk. After
a few days they may be given scalded
cornmenl or mashed boiled potatoes
fed warm. Grass, clover and other
green food should also be fed, rs we'll
rs kitchen waste. Greens of some kind
are nm absolute necessity to ducks.
Dampness is particularly fatal to
young ducks and must be carefully
guarded against Plenty of fresh
water must he supplied them for
drinking purposes, but in such YES.
sci rs to prevent their getting wet.
They should be kept away from all
ponds until fully flcdgel. After this
access to water promotes cleanliness
and health
Ducks of all ages are much heartie1
eaters than chickens, but their gain is
in proportion, and they are ready for
market long before, SO that the cost of
production per pound is no more and
the returns are more rapid. They are
but little troubled with lice, if proper
care has been taken TO keep the
mother hen free from these pests
Their chief troubles are cramps, leg
weakness and Indigestion The first
two nre due to damp quarters or over
feeding, while the Indigestion, which
shows itself by froth In the eyes, pur-
pie mandihles, etc, result from too
much uncoOkcd grain. Sudden death
is usually attributed to large lice.
Ducks require no roosts, but the
floor of their houses should be we'll
covered with cut straw anil the litter
frequently renewed. The droppings
OF the ducks make excellent manure.
Many people object to duck raising on
the plea that they make everything
muddy aud filthy. While there is
selves are much cleaner than chickens
and the work Of caring for them is
lighter and less offensive. Those who
have once gone into the business stay
in it and generally do less grumbling
than other folks.
am not advising everybody to quit
embarrassing and go in for ducks;
but ! do think every farmer should
keep n few, and after he has gained
experience and found his market he
can start in on n more extended scale
If the prospect is encouraging, Us it
generally is. But to make money in
these days it is essential to stop all
leaks, to learn the quickest aud cheap
est method of doing effective work
and to cut down expenses to the mini
mum. these points IRE as necessary
Cor the duck-raiser TO remember and
observe ms they are for the manufac.
turcr or merchant.-Ncw York World.