492 



ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GROUSE 



In spite of the preponderance of evidence against it, so attractive was the idea of raising 

 the birds on the ground in large covered units containing natural cover, that three such 

 structures were tried out during two rearing seasons at the Catskill Experimental Station. 

 Although the birds were fed and watered on wire screens and the pens were kept meticulously 

 clean to inhibit the onset of disease, severe outbreaks of ulcerative enteritis, coccidiosis and 

 blackhead were encountered. Rats and weasels eluded every safeguard to take toll of the 



AI.L-l'l KPOSK I'ENS, .SCATIKKKII 0\ KU THK HKAK1.\(. HKl.I). MARK lUlCAL LMTS I.N WHU.H TO HAISK 

 THE YOUNG CKOUSE TRANSFERRED FROM THE COLONY BROODER HOUSE 



young birds and great horned owls beheaded a number that, in fright, persisted in attempt- 

 ing to fly through the top of the enclosure. This type of housing accordingly was abandoned 

 in favor of much smaller units. 



Pens and Penning 



The prime requisites of a good rearing pen are spaciousness and accessibility. It should of 

 course have a wire floor raised from the ground a distance sufficient to allow free access un- 

 derneath for cleaning. It is desirable to provide a permanent shelter against unusual wind 

 and rain at one end. Needed also are several roosts to which the birds may retire at night or 

 take refuge when chased. To prevent "walking the wire," a 10-inch baseboard may be placed 

 along all sides. The rest of the sides, top and base should be covered with smooth, galvanized 

 "yi-inch poultry netting. 



Two types and four sizes of rearing pens were experimentally tested at the Center. Birds 

 were raised to maturity in the colony brooder house, in 8 feet x 16 feet x 3 feet all-purpose 

 pens and in units 8 feet x 12 feet x 3 feet and 4 feet x 8 feet x 3 feet of similar design. 



