THE INCUBATOR-BROODER METHOD OF RAISING GROUSE 



463 



changes should be made at least a week before the birds are placed in the breeding pens, 

 thus reducing somewhat the confusion incident to the change. 



Although the ration here suggested seems to meet the needs of the birds rather well, it is 

 desirable to provide them with supplemental foods, such as apples, and alfalfa hay, in a 

 rack. These serve to keep the birds occupied and accordingly better satisfied with their quarters. 



It is interesting to note that some difficulty may be experienced in inducing grouse to eat 

 an unfamiliar food such as beechnuts or buds, even though it may be a staple diet of their 

 wild cousins. 



Handling the Spring Shuffle. As spring approaches one may notice a gradual increasing 

 unrest among the captive birds. The males strut with increasing frequency on the warmer, 

 quieter days. In the wild this restiveness marks the beginning of the spring shuffle. Its 

 counterpart in the wintering pen calls for close attention to the dominant birds, for they are 

 most likely to scalp or kill their inferiority-coniplexed companions at this time. It may be 

 necessary to segregate many of the more active males until the birds are placed in the breed- 

 ing pens. Such separation is undesirable if it can be avoided for these males must reestablish 

 their social position in the flock when they are returned*. 



In the latitude of Albany it is wise to pair off the birds about the first of March, utilizing 

 the suggestions for the selection of breeding stock as described later. 



Weight and Physical W ell-J>eing. In grouse, as in most other birds, weight is a fair indi- 

 cation of physical well-being. Chronically diseased individuals often may be discovered if 

 the birds are periodically weighed and the results checked with table 69. 



TABLE 69. AVERAGE WEItillTS l.\ GHAMS IJF HAND-REARED GROUSE 

 AT THE RESEARCH CENTER DURING CERTAIN PERIODS 



The Spring Period 



Selection of the Breeding Stock. The success of artificial grouse propagation lies to no 

 small extent in the quality and condition of the breeding stock, for this is the foundation 

 upon which the year's work is built. The qualities inherent in these birds, coupled with proper 

 care and attention, are reflected in egg production and hatchability and in the subsequent 

 brooding and rearing success. 



Results clearly indicate the need of a selective breeding program in order to develop a 

 strain of grouse possessing as many desirable characteristics as possible. Space does not per- 

 mit more than a brief resume of the breeding plan followed at the Research Center. While 

 most persons interested in improving their own strain of grouse may want to develop their 

 own plan, this synopsis might be useful as a guide. The program is designed to encourage 



» See Chapter II. p. 63. 



