Homework:
Assignment 1: Read this page on all things feathers to see how feathers grow in.
When processing ducks, for easy plucking, you should wait until feathers are in the growth stages 5 or 6 as shown in this article.
Assignment 2: If you are interested in using float valves in your duck-related watering systems, check out the guide below.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/E-booksGYOG/Simple-and-Effective-Watering-Systems-for-Small-Livestock.pdf
To adapt this concept for use with duck ponds, note that the irrigation pond I showed you in this episode is basically just a larger version of the 55 gallon drum. The 55 gallon drum in my garden is the equivalent of the water trough or bucket.
Also, because my pond is below ground, I had to start the water flow into the hose using suction. Once the water started flowing down hill, then as long as it either keeps flowing or I keep the hose pressurized using the float valve, I don’t need to use a suction again.
To create a no-cost suction, I connected the downhill side of my irrigation hose to my garden hose. Then I turned the water on at my garden hose spigot. When the water from my garden hose began flowing into my pond, I turned off the garden hose.
The pressure change from the loss of water pressure created the suction to start drawing water out of the pond. Then, I disconnected my garden hose from my irrigation hose. Finally, I attached my irrigation hose to the float valve to keep the pressure in the system.
The float valve is attached to a 55 gallon drum. When the drum is full the valve, the water stops. So, when I use watering cans to dip out water, the water drops below the valve and starts automatically filling from the pond. I could also detach the hose from the pressure valve and use it to water my garden, then connect it back to stop the flow.
Once you understand gravity fed systems and float valves, a whole world of homesteading solutiosn open up to you!
Assignment 3: Check out these additional resources on poultry processing best practices. These are geared toward small-scale professional processors. So, some of the materials (such as record-keeping) might not be applicable. However, the general processing procedures and hygiene-related recommendations can be adapted by the home processor as well.
http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/small-farms-tech-report/bestprxopenairpoultryslaughter_september_2012.pdf
https://cefs.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/NCC_Poultry_BMP_Announcement-1.pdf
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/how-temperatures-affect-food/ct_index