Part 14

ANSWER.--Pekin duck eggs sell readily in market, as they are much larger than the other duck eggs. They command from five to ten cents per dozen more than hen's eggs.

QUESTION 15.--How much does it cost to keep a duck each season?

ANSWER.--From $1.75 to $2.00. They are gross feeders, of bulky food, but the greater number and value of the eggs in market over the average hen, makes the duck more profitable as an egg-producer than the hen.

QUESTION 16.--At what season are the eggs of a duck most fertile?

ANSWER.--During the months of February, March, April and May, though they are usually fertile with us during January, June, and even July.

QUESTION 17.--What per cent. of the eggs will usually hatch?

ANSWER.--That depends entirely upon how the mother-bird is cared for and fed. See formula for laying birds.

QUESTION 18.--What is the average loss sustained in growing ducklings?

ANSWER.--Not more than two per cent. with us, but it depends largely upon how the old birds are fed; how the eggs are incubated, and the young birds cared for.

QUESTION 19.--How many birds can be safely kept in one brooder and one yard?

ANSWER.--About one hundred, and as they grow older, unless the yards are of good size, a less number would grow and fat better.

QUESTION 20.--At what age should the young birds be put upon the market?

ANSWER.--When the prices are very high in the early spring we market them at about nine weeks old, when they will dress from ten to eleven pounds per pair. Later on, when prices are lower, we market them at ten to eleven weeks old, when they will dress from twelve to thirteen pounds per pair.

QUESTION 21.--When and how do you select your breeding birds?

ANSWER.--As soon as we can distinguish the quality and merits of the bird, and from our earliest hatches, as they always develop into larger and better birds.

QUESTION 22.--How do you treat the young birds for breeding purposes?

ANSWER.--Turn them out to pasture, and feed lightly on food calculated to develop bone, muscle and feathers.

QUESTION 23.--What shall I do to keep my ducks still in the night, when they make a great noise and commotion? Some of them are broken down and cannot stand.

ANSWER.--Hang a lantern in their yard. You must keep them still.

QUESTION 24.--Can ducks be shipped safely any distance?

ANSWER.--We ship ducks safely all over the United States, Canada and Europe.

QUESTION 25.--Would you recommend incubator or hens for hatching duck's eggs?

ANSWER.--Incubator, by all means, if hatched in large quantities.

QUESTION 26.--Would you use brooders, if hatched under hens?

ANSWER.--Brooders are better than hens, for two reasons. It is less trouble to care for them. Hens crush large numbers of them when small.

QUESTION 27.--How long can the eggs be kept for hatching?

ANSWER.--They can be kept three weeks, safely, if kept on end, in a cool place, but should prefer them fresher.

QUESTION 28.--Can Pekin ducks be crossed with other breeds profitably?