From page 35
feed on a daily basis , to increase the protein levels required for breeding and growing birds . Young birds will start on starter mash . For adult birds , to keep costs down you can feed them a mixture of wheaten bran , lucerne meal and poultry mash , in the proportions 1:1:3 . Unless you are fattening them up for the table don ' t use growing mash or pellets for too long , as the protein is high for them . Rather , for pets and laying birds , use laying mash or pellets . There is controversy whether feed should be fed wet or dry . In both cases drinking water should be available to help the bird to swallow the feed . Increase the ration in winter when green feed is not regularly available . Keep the feed in metal containers to prevent spoilage and for ease of cleaning . When it comes to housing , ducks are pretty hardy , but generally they should have some kind of covered shelter available to them at all times . The duck house can be bedded with wood shavings or sawdust . Fresh litter can be added as necessary and the deep litter cleaned out in summer each year , or it can be cleaned out more frequently , perhaps weekly . Remember too that ducks need shade in summer . If there is no natural shade , it is important to rig up some sort of sunshade to prevent them over-heating . It is best if you supply a small three-sided shed , or an open hutch / pen . They must have an area that is dry and free of drafts . Nesting boxes should be available to females at least two months before the breeding season starts . Provide each housing area or paddock with nests . Some ducks will make their nests in the shavings on the floor or under bushes while others prefer nesting boxes . Nests must be accessible to pasture , pond and housing . When the birds are breeding , ensure that they are safe during the night. You can acquire ducklings or adult birds . If you are buying from a professional breeder , check out the conditions in which the birds are kept . The cages should be clean , the water fresh , and the smell shouldn ' t be too overpowering . The animals should look relatively clean , healthy and alert .
37 www . sasmallholder . co . za
If you buy ducklings make sure they are more than four weeks old and preferably even older and fully feathered . Ducks don ' t need any particular vaccinations to help keep them disease free , but worming once or twice a year will help ensure they stay healthy .
WATERFOWL
Duck eggs are delicious , with a slightly stronger flavour than chicken ' s eggs . However , they
Welsh Harlequin female with ducklings
Continued on page 39