PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



about 2 feet square, i8 or 20 inches height in front, and 

 not less than i foot in height at the back. However, a 

 selection of coops is a matter for individual consideration, 

 the principal item being to shift them frequently, to keep 

 them thoroughly clean, to place them on even ground, to 

 arrange them so that they shall have the best exposure for 

 light and warmth, as well as affording the chicks protection 

 against their foes. 



There is one factor that must never be ignored in con- 

 nection with the rearing of Pheasants, and that is to keep 

 a sharp look-out for any sickly birds which may form the 

 starting-point of a fatal epidemic. The most economical 

 plan is to destroy any ailing birds at once, and burn the 

 bodies. Regularity in feeding, suitability of food, its fresh 

 preparation each time, a supply of insect life and grit, and 

 an absolute regard for cleanliness, constitute the fundamental 

 principles upon which successful Pheasant-rearing is based. 



Dirty coops, fouling of the ground, unsuitable food, 

 irregular feeding, and stale food, constitute the surest 

 channels for provoking the onset of disease, which, when 

 once established, is bound to end in disappointment. 



Another matter must not be overlooked, though 

 quite beyond the control of the keeper, and that is the 

 weather. A wet season is a bad one for Pheasant chicks, 

 more especially if the rearing ground has been used in 

 successive seasons, or grazed by calves or lambs affected 

 with husk or hoose. It is on such a rearing-field that gapes 

 will most likely become prevalent, and every keeper who 

 knows anything about Pheasant-rearing does not give 

 a very hearty welcome to a trouble of this kind. {See 

 Gapes.) 



The proper ventilation of the coops must not be over- 

 looked, and the author considers that the keepers do not 



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