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26 in this way during the winter months, and the stock is from a good laying strain, the owner will most likely get a good supply of eggs. During the warm weather, in the spring and summer, they do not require so much care in feeding; they are sure to lay then if they have sufficient food to eat, even if it is not so good in quality. Twice a day is quite sufficient for laying or stock ducks to be fed. Feeding, as my readers will perhaps know, is one of the most important parts of duck-keeping; but it is not everything.

During the winter months management goes a long way. When it is a cold frosty morning the ducks should not be allowed out of their house, or covered run, whichever the case may be, until they have had a good warm breakfast. Ducks feel a cold, frosty morning perhaps more than any other variety of the feathered tribes, unless the ice is broken on the pond, so that they can swim about. When they can do this they do not appear to feel the cold so much; but it is well only just to let them out to feed and drink. Then drive them straight back into their house or run. During the very cold weather do not leave any water standing by them. In the middle of the day give them a little warm water to drink, as they are usually very thirsty. This appears to warm their whole system, and they will flap their wings as though the sun was shining upon them. It is well to let them out for a little run, if it is convenient, after they have had the water. Some people like to feed the stock birds as late as six or seven o'clock at night. Ducks can eat in the dark as well as in the light, if the corn is put in a trough