24 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



about raising quails and related species is that the same 

 ground surface must not he used continuously. Neglect of 

 this has wrecked many an undertaking. We have not yet 

 discovered the direct chemical or bacteriological cause, but 

 the fact is proved without question. Domestic poultry 

 have become largely immune to the diseases caused by 

 "fouled" ground, but their wild relatives have not. If the 

 pen is to be used for successive seasons, the ground must be 

 limed, turned under, and freshly seeded. Otherwise one 

 should either move the posts and wire to another spot, or 

 else provide another pen for alternation. Some careful 

 workers who have plenty of room raise crops for two years 

 on all land before they use it again for birds. When the 

 ground is fresh at the start, and is not crowded, and has good 

 turf, it might be used another season with impunity. 



Light Construction. It is best to build lightly and cheaply. 

 Do not drive the posts deeper than is necessary for firm- 

 ness. Drive lightly the staples holding the wire, so that 

 they may easily be withdrawn. This is so the pen could 

 be moved, if desired. Permanent buildings or fixtures are 

 dangerous; the more elaborate, the worse they are. I have 

 seen a quail house and pen which cost more than $2,000 

 become a veritable pesthouse. 



When Received. When the stock is received, as the birds 

 are removed from the crate, before being released in the pen, 

 clip closely the primary quills of one wing, even when the 

 pen is covered. Do not clip both wings, as the birds will 

 fly more thus than with the balance uneven. I knew a case 

 where quails which had both wings trimmed and were placed 

 in an enclosure open above soon soared over the fence. 

 There should be plenty of brush to hide under, else they will 

 dash into the wire and hurt themselves. 



Food for Adults. In feeding quails or other species, 



