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Environmental Husbandry Manual Click here for CONTENTS Page No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author - For contact details see about the author |
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Individual Methods for Feeding
Methods - Practices
Pool Bottom Feeds
The practices outlined in this section relate to methods of food presentation that do not require the use of special materials or devices. Scatter feeds, use of specific locations, and methods of ensuring that specific animals receive required medications and dietary supplements are dealt with.
Pool Bottom Feeds |
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| Method | Dried pulses (beans) and wheat thrown into pools sink, requiring that the animals dive down to eat them. | |
| Species | Ducks. | |
| Purpose | Encourage natural feeding behaviours and postures, provides exercise as birds dive to pool bottom to obtain food. | |
| Pro | Easy and quick to do, food still available after several days. | |
| Con | Pools must be cleaned more often if food is added to them. | |
| Improvements | -- | |
| Comments | Pools must be kept as clean as reasonably possible, to avoid build up of pathogens. Rotting food in pools adds to the nutrient base for such organisms if allowed to decompose when not eaten. | |
| Frequency of Use | Once per Fortnight. | |
| Ratings | Usefulness | 10 |
| Convenience | 10 | |
| Value For Money | 8 | |
| Range of Users | 9 | |
| Contributed By | Bird Section | |