474 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GROUSE 



Grouse Mothers 



Wild grouse are extremely constant in the incubation of their eggs but amid the distrac- 

 tions of captivity it is seldom wise to allow the female grouse this privilege. In fact, when 

 the eggs are removed from the nest at 4-day intervals, many birds never become broody. Even 

 when the eggs are left in the nest, by no means all of the females may be depended upon to 

 incubate them. 



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EVKN HAND-RAISED GROUSE SELDOM MAKE GOOD MOTHERS IN CAPTIVITY 



When such is desired, it is best to confine a ])air. early in March, in a fairly large predator- 

 proof enclosure on the ground. To avoid chasing, the male may be removed shortly after 

 the first egg has been laid. The female should be disturbed as little as possible lest she 

 become nervous. Shortly after hatching, mother and brood may be moved to a rearing pen 

 on wire to avoid accidents and ipfeclion. 



Foster Mothers 



Because incubators were uncertain and hens readily available, all early breeders of grouse 

 at one time or another used foster mothers to incubate eggs collected from wild nests. Pref- 

 erence for this purpose was given to silkies, cochins and seabrights. Should this practice be 

 followed sources from which these may be secured should be located well in advance of the 

 date of egg collection. The ever-present danger of disease when using hens may be miti- 

 gated somewhat if bantams raised on wire are available. Grouse eggs should be transferred 

 from the wild to the foster mothers nest just before they hatch. This date, for first nests in 

 New York, will usually fall between May 26 and June 3. though it is of course somewhat 

 later in the higher Adirondacks. 



Since the broody hen may best be moved at night, while eggs are collected by daylight, il 

 is wise to set her on a dummy nest a day or two before her services are required. Occa- 

 sionally hens refuse to accept a new nest. The presence of an extra broodv baiilam is there- 

 fore a wise precaution. 



