464 ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GROUSE 



the establishing of groups or famihes of grouse capable of high egg production, hatchability 

 and livability. 



The method of establishing; these families is an important consideration. Beginning in 

 1935 all females were classified into four groups depending upon whether they laid in excess 

 of 25 eggs in a single season, from 20 to 24, from 15 to 19, or below 15. In each of these 

 groups the females were further rated according to the percentage of their eggs which were 

 fertile, the percentage which hatched and the number of chicks which subsequently survived. 

 Each male was rated on the basis of his parents' and his own performance records and on 

 his ability to get along with his penmates. 



All these items were carefuUv considered in mating the birds each year. As a result, family 

 groups, containing the characteristics desired, were built up. Birds from these groups are the 

 foundation of the breeding stock. 



Progeny testing or analyzing the performance of the offspring of each pair of birds, has 

 disclosed errors in previous matings and provided clues for correction. 



While the selective breeding plan has not be?n in effect long enough to disclose any far 

 reaching results, it is evident that such a program may go far towards answering many prob- 

 lems. Progress has been necessarily slow since it is difficult to bring through an adequate 

 number of the progeny owing to the high mortality during the brooding period. 



It is essential in such a program to maintain a complete record (figures 34 to 36) of 

 pedigree and performance covering the history of every bird. This begins with the breeders, 

 both male and female and includes the past performance covering egg production, fertility, 

 hatchability and livability, not only of the individual bird but also of its brothers, sisters and 

 ancestors. 



There is another factor which should be considered. In addition to choosing birds from 

 families with outstanding performance records, it is also desirable to select for type and 

 temperament so as to retain the wild characteristics. Size, weight, structure and general body 

 conformations are other important considerations. It would seem a good practice to main- 

 tain the average for wild birds. For example, it would ])rolialil\ be unwise to attempt to 

 improve upon nature to the extent of producing a strain of grouse all wcigiiing two ])ounds 

 or over. 



The birds retained for breeders should be alert and thriftv in appearance, ullli llu- funda- 

 mental characteristics of a wild bird. Those with any physical abnormalities such as long or 

 short necks and legs as well as those heavier or lighter in weight than normal might bettor be 

 discarded. 



After the breeders ha\<- been selected and a decision nuulc in regard to lln' matings. they 

 are placed in tlic breeding pens. 



lirecdinii Pens and F(/uipnienl. To date there seems to have been no grouse breeding pen 

 developed which has been accepted as standard. There are, however, certain prerequisites 

 which might well be considered. When dealing with large numbers of birds, it is important 

 to construct and arrange the pens so thev may be easilv servi<-ed. Likewise, those which 

 are largely self-cleaning and convenient to keep free of debris and to disinfect arc. of course. 

 preferable. Adequate floor space for the normal activity of the birds is essential to general 

 hi-alth and well-being. While the grouse appreciate some shelter from the elements, it is 

 desirable to admit sunlight to a portion of the pen. To prevent aimoyance by the male, par- 



