Part 15

ANSWER.--From our experience, we can say no. In every case it has required longer time to mature the mongrels, and as the prices decline in the early spring, this is quite an item, besides the introduction of colored feathers injures the appearance of the dressed bird, as well as the quality of the feathers, which is also quite an item.

QUESTION 29.--What is the price of duck's feathers in the market?

ANSWER.--Formerly, white duck feathers commanded fifty cents per pound, but since white feathers have been imported from Russia in such quantities, ours average about forty-five cents per pound.

QUESTION 30.--What makes their wings turn out from their bodies?

ANSWER.--This is often caused by the rapid development of the bird. The resting feathers on the sides under the wings, do not keep pace with the rapid growth of the bird, and the constant efforts of the bird to keep the wings in place, tends to turn the wings outward. We have always noticed that these are invariably the best birds.

QUESTION 31.--Which are the most profitable, ducks or chickens?

ANSWER.--This will depend upon whether the grower is a care-taker, or whether he is careless, lazy or untidy. We think that ducks will bear more neglect than chicks, but it will not do to presume upon that, as ducks will not thrive in filth more than chicks. We think that the average price of chicks in market is rather higher than that of ducks, but as it costs at least two cents less per pound to produce duck flesh, than that of the chick, there is very little difference.

QUESTION 32.--Where are the best markets for ducks?

ANSWER.--Good markets may be found in all of our large cities, though we think New York and Boston the best. Sometimes, when large shipments produce a glut in the New York markets, the surplus is shipped to Boston, where it may be a cent or two higher. Then in a few days things may be reversed and the exodus be the other way, and as the freight is only one-half cent per pound between the two cities, I have known tons to be shipped at a time.

QUESTION 33.--What would a plant cost, with a capacity of 5,000 ducklings, per year?

ANSWER.--With good machines, and buildings barely practical, $1,500 (if economically expended) would cover cost, independent of land.

QUESTION 34.--What effect does extremes of heat and cold have upon young ducklings?

ANSWER.--After they are a week old they will stand much more of either than chicks.

QUESTION 35.--Is the flesh of birds artificially grown, as good as that grown in the natural manner?

ANSWER.--Just as good. The quality of the flesh depends entirely upon the care and feed given the birds.

QUESTION 36.--How large should the yards be in which the breeding birds are kept?

ANSWER.--At least one hundred feet long, where the buildings are long, and the width of the pens in which the birds are housed.

QUESTION 37.--Do you think it will pay to grow celery to flavor the flesh of the birds?

ANSWER.--We have never done so, and parties who have grown celery for that purpose, have discontinued it as being unprofitable in the end, as they were not able to obtain increased prices for their product.

QUESTION 38.--What is the best green food for ducks, old and young?

ANSWER.--Green clover, green corn-fodder, rye, oats and clover-rowen cured nicely, with green rye, in winter when ground is bare.

QUESTION 39.--Should Pekin duck eggs be pure white?

ANSWER.--Yes.

QUESTION 40.--Should a pure bred Pekin have any black feathers?

ANSWER.--No. The feathers should be a creamy white. Dark feathers are a sign of mongrel stock.

QUESTION 41.--Will rain injure young ducklings?

ANSWER.--They are as susceptible to rain as chicks up to three weeks of age, but after that, will endure more, and at eight or ten weeks old, will really enjoy a good rain storm.

QUESTION 42.--How large do Pekin ducks grow?