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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.
▪ Always ensure that water is available with food.
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
▪ Fattening ducks grow twice as fast as chickens and sufficient space should be allowed.
▪ 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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