By Zhao Yu

Early in the morning, Zhou Zhenjing, general manager of Ningbo Fenghua Aoji Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., arrived with two colleagues at the company's Fenghua duck breeding base to begin a new day's work.

"We spend several hours here each day, especially in hot weather," Zhou said. "We have to monitor egg production, feeding conditions, and water quality in the pools."

Fenghua ducks are known for their flavorful meat and highly nutritious eggs. The base maintains a steady population of around 12,000 ducks, producing approximately 200 metric tons of eggs annually.

Inside the incubation room, rows of fully automated incubators were in operation. After 28 days of incubation, ducklings begin to hatch. "May and June are peak hatching months for Fenghua ducks," explained Dong Shihai, founder of the base. "After selection, some ducklings are sold to other farms as breeding stock, while others are sent to what we call the 'VIP room.'"

The "VIP room" is located next to the base's main water pool. To ensure comfort for the ducklings, caretakers spread dry straw across the floor and installed a small speaker to play music. "Newly hatched ducklings tend to pile up, which can lead to injuries or suffocation," Zhou said. "When they hear music, the younger ducklings scatter, thinking someone has arrived. The older ones get used to the music and even move rhythmically, almost like they're dancing."

Some even develop musical preferences. "Lately, we've played songs by Jay Chou, G.E.M., and Andy Lau," Zhou said with a smile. "Today, they had a strong reaction to G.E.M.'s Where Did U Go. Looks like they've found a new favorite."

After spending 25 days in the "VIP room", the ducklings are transferred to standard housing. When fully grown, the strongest birds are placed in individual breeding compartments and paired with mates they show interest in.

"We're committed to improving the breeding and marketing of Fenghua ducks," said Dong. "Our goal is to raise quality standards, extend the value chain, and build up the Fenghua Duck brand."