Two
well-trained dogs guard this lot at night, and woe to the two-footed or
four-footed prowler who intrudes.
The duck houses are simply long, low sheds--with the exception of the
one where the breeding stock is wintered, which is inclosed--placed on
the slope a few rods back from the water. They were built of refuse
lumber, and the cost was comparatively trifling. Connected with the
house for the breeding-stock is a small yard where the ducks are shut in
at night through the laying season. From the time when they are twelve
hours old till within twenty-four hours of the time when they are killed
for market, the ducklings are well fed with a great variety of food.
From the first meal until they are turned into the pond lot they are fed
every two hours between daylight and dark. "Little and often," is the
motto. Before they take to the water the ducklings are fed a little
cooked meat once each day, and doubtless this ration of meat has much to
do toward making the fine large ducks that my friend has a reputation
for raising. After they are turned into the pond lot the ducklings are
fed but three times a day till within two or three weeks of the time
when they are to be marketed; then they are confined in the fattening
yards and fed oftener.
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