Storeys Guide to Raising Ducks

Storey's guide to raising ducks : breeds, care, health / Dave Holderread.  A deep and useful resource for anyone grom beginner to advanced breeder.  Dave Holderread studied and raised ducks for 50 years, taught applied poultry science in Puerto Rico, before establishing the largest genetic stocks of domestic waterfowl in the world on a farm in Oregon.

A perfect choice for many, ducks produce eggs and meat efficiently, thrive in inclement weather, help control insect and snail populations, and they're also entertaining and beautiful.  This book covers from selecting the breed that is right for you to rearing, housing and caring for your birds.  It provides essential advice and practical know-how you need to keep a thriving flock.

Contents:  Choosing the Right Duck -- Important Considerations -- Useful Terminology -- Breeds of Ducks -- Bantam Breeds -- Lightweight Breeds -- Mediumweight Breeds -- Heavyweight Breeds -- The Importance of Preserving Rare Breeds -- Hybrid Ducks -- Heterosis -- Hybrids -- Understanding Duck Colors -- Basic Genetics -- Acquiring Stock -- Production-Bred Stock vs. Standard-Bred Stock --
Incubation -- Hatching Eggs -- Care of the Broody Hen -- Multiple Broods -- Artificial Incubation -- Incubation Requirements -- Candling -- The Hatch -- Removing Ducklings from the Incubator -- Help-Outs -- Incubator Sanitation -- Rearing Ducklings -- Basic Guidelines -- Natural Brooding -- Artificial Brooding -- Yards and Pastures -- Water -- Nutrition -- Feeding Programs -- Niacin Requirements -- Green Feed -- Grit -- Feeders -- Managing Broiler Meat Ducklings -- Producing Lean Ducklings for Meat -- Sexing Ducklings -- Marking Ducklings -- Brooding Ducklings with Other Birds -- Managing Adult Ducks -- Basic Guidelines -- Housing Swimming Water -- Drinking Water -- Raising Ducks on Salt Water -- Nutrition -- The Laying Flock -- Selecting Breeders -- Catching and Holding Ducks -- Distinguishing the Sex of Mature Ducks -- Understanding Feeds -- Butchering -- Plucking (Picking) -- Health and Physical Problems -- Biosecurity -- Postmortem Examination -- Showtime -- Selecting Show Ducks -- Preparing Ducks for Exhibition -- Transporting Ducks to Shows. 

ISBN:  978-1-60342-692-3

2nd edition - 2011 paperback.

Pages: 356;  Illustrated.

Waterfowl Book, Duck, Duckline, Drake Healthcare.