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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
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