Page:Ducks- and how to make them pay (IA cu31924003102971).pdf/88

68 laid 505 eggs in the twelve months-that is an average of 168 eggs from each duck. Of course this is an exception. I have kept Pekins till three-and-a-half years old, and they have laid well the last season. I do not recommend this breed to be kept over three years. I have often found they have laid more eggs the second year than the first, but they fall off a little the third year. Of course there are duck-fanciers who go in for a particular variety. Some breeders like Pekins, and would not part with them for anything. They are certainly very showy, and are entirely different in shape from any other class. Their carriage is much like that of a goose; they stand up very erect, the breast being a long way from the ground, The latter should also have a good bow in front, more the shape of a rooster's breast; the deeper the better. They should show no keel in the front, under the breast bone, the same as the Aylesburies do. The breast should be wide, also the back, and the tail should stand very erect, just the opposite to the Aylesburies. The bill should be rather short and wide, and of a deep yellow colour. Head short and thick, just the reverse of the Aylesbury. Legs of a dark orange colour, and rather short. Their plumage is white, with a deep yellow tinge in it, similar to a pale canary right throughout. Nothing improves the colour of the plumage and beak more than feeding them on maize, and those who breed this class of ducks for exhibition should always give them a little maize four or five times a week, when they are getting their birds into condition. At the same time they