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Advice on Bird Rearing

For more advice on bird rearing, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today +353 (86) 2099768 / +353 (04) 0232384

Rearing Ducklings

Aylesbury ducks can be fattened and also kept for egg laying. They can be processed for meat when 7-8 weeks old. Between weeks 9-14 they get a new set of feathers and plucking is difficult. From weeks 14-17 heavier weights are achieved with males achieving weights of 10-12 lbs and heavier and females from 9-11 lbs. After week 17 birds move to a reproduction mode and with good management, egg laying will commence by week 30.

Feeding

For good results correct feeding is important. A chick starter crumb that is suitable for ducks (e.g. Red Mills Chick Starter) should be fed ad-lib for the first 2-3 week. Then the protein needs are reduced and a grower pellet diet is sufficient.

• Keep food and water at a distance from the heat source.
â–ª Always ensure that water is available with food.
â–ª Ducks fir fattening by week 8 should have food available ad-lib for best results. After week 8 the growth rate slows down and food conversion is not as efficient.
â–ª A 250-watt infra-red lamp suspended 15 inches above the bedding, will provide heat for 50-60 day old ducklings. Gradually raise the heating lamp when weaning off heat, A hardboard surround will keep out draughts.
â–ª Fattening ducks grow twice as fast as chickens and sufficient space should be allowed.
â–ª Ducklings can be reared on straw, wood shaving or on wire mesh (i/2 inch). Straw is very satisfactory from day 1 provided a clean supply is maintained

For more advice on the rearing of ducklings, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today.
+353 (86) 2099768 / +353 (04) 0232384

For more advice on bird rearing, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today

Rearing Goslings

  • Geese are excellence grazers and do well on rough land
  • No elaborate housing is needed but the birds need adequate shelter against sun and storms.
  • Geese seldom suffer from diseases bit proper fix protection is advisable
  • 40-50 adult geese per acre.
  • Be aware that persistent use of the same land can lead to gizzard worm.


Care Of Goslings

  • Goslings need heat from when they are a day old to 1-2 weeks old.
  • Gosling should be kept on grass but should not be allowed to become wet.
  • A 250-watt, infra-red lamp will brood 30 – 40 goslings.
  • Suspend lamp 15 inches above litter and gradually raise when weaning off heat.
  • A surround of hardboard will keep out draughts.
  • Straw should be used as bedding.
  • During weeks 3 and 4 Goslings should not be given water at night. Goshlings should not be given water between 9:00 pm to 8:00 am.


Feeding

  • Use a good goose, duck or a recommended ration for the young Goslings
  • Make flint grit or sea gravel available to assist digestion
  • When on grass reduce compound feed gradually. A small amount of corn or pellets can be fed once a day in the evening,
  • Plenty of good, short grass should be available
  • If penned do not keep in lots of more than 200 and move pens as necessary
  • Swimming water may be allowed in early months but not during the finishing period


Finishing

  • Allow 6 – 8 weeks to finish depending on condition
  • Keep as quiet as possible, preferably with the same person attending them
  • Finish with ad-lib feed in a cattle yard or similar housing or on reduced grazing area.
  • Only natural daylight should be available when finishing.


For more information on Gosling raising, get in contact with Ballyrichard Duck And Goose Hatchery today.
+353 (86) 2099768 / +353 (04) 0232384

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