POULTRY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2174, 12 February 1881, Page 3

POULTRY.

It is surprising that many more ducks are not bred in this country, as they can be reared so cheaply, and are ready for killing long before chickens. Then again ducks are relished by every one, whether it is in the summer or winter, and they also sell for very remunerative prices. It is true more are reared now than was formerly the case; there is, however, still a far greater demand than the supply can meet. Many of the ducks • the same as is often the case with poultry seen around farm-houses, are poor, diminutive little things, which when killed are hardly sufficient to afford a meal for a hungry person. People forget that thi so weedy things cost as much to feed and are just as much trouble to keep as the larger and more profitable specimens. In starting a few ducks or in attempting to improve those already at hand, we do not so much advise the purchasing of expensive pure-bred birds, but rather to obtain a few moderately good Aylesbury ducks to run with a Pekin drake. The progeny of this cross make large and fine table birds, even if their parents are somewhat small. Both varieties being white in plumage, the young are also of the same color, and there is no unpleasant or violent contrast in color, which is produced by crossing either of these with the Rouen; the skin is also beautifully white, which poulterers also give a preference to. Of late a good deal has been written about the Duclair ducks, a variety found in France. A lady recently told us it had cost her £4O to get a pair of these birds, as she had been over to France three times before she could meet with anything worthy of being introduced into this country. These birds are black on the body, with a white patch on the breast, are small, and very much resemble one of the cross-bred birds which may be seen in this country. They may possibly be a useful variety, but we have already far larger, handsomer, and better birds, and we very much doubt if these Duolairs are ever likely to gain much favor with duck breeders here.

With regard to feeding ducks. In the first place, it mu§t be remembered ducks ore regular scavengers. Nothing comes amiss, or seems to disagree with them. They are just as happy, and appear to enjoy their food with quite as much gusto, whether it is found in a heap of decaying refuse, or placed in a clean trough, with clear fresh water for drink. They feed largely on grubs and ineects, and have an especial weakness for a dish of large earth worms, which they will continue gobbling down their capacious throats till their crops are so distended and they are hardly able to wajk. On a warm showery night they may bo seen running over a meadow seeking for worms until the shades of evening are far advanced. It will thus be seen they are moat usefnl in clearing off many troublesome peats found in tho garden. In the winter, of course, when the ground is frozen, and the water covered with ice, then they need to be liberally fed with corn, and parts, of the carcase of a sheep or calf which has died may be boiled up, and the liquor used for mixing with the barley meal ormiddlinga which they will require for a change of food. Fed in this way, tboaeintended to be kept for breeding ought to commence to lay abont Ohristmas,and if young, they should continue to do so almost daily for some three or four months, when there will be a brief rest, to be followed by another batch of eggs. A good laying duck will produce from eighty to one hundred eggs in one season, although instances havo been known of them laying a greater number, but these are rare. Ducks’ eggs are mostly larger than fowls’, but it must be admitted there is often a strong flavour, which some people object to. The eggs, however, are very rich, and for puddings and custards cannot be equalled. With such a groat drain on the system, it will at once be seen that the birds must, during the winter months, be well fed, otherwise it cannot be expected that they will lay well. In tho summer, with their liberty, and a pond, lake, or eyen access to ditches, they cost a mere trifle for food, as the greater portion of this they will find for themselves.

It is useless to attempt to keep ducks in a yard, or in confinement; they require their liberty to roam over meadows, ponds, or lakes. Kept under such conditions as these, they may be made, not only to add to the pleasures of the table, but return a very fair profit on the trifling cost of feeding them during the winter, and the outlay in purchasing the stock.