=^^ 



21 



CHAPTER IV 



Preparing for the Hatch — Nest Boxes and 

 Nesting Coops 



Pheasant hens in captivity are practically non-sitters and so domestic 

 hens are employed as foster mothers. There is considerable difference of 

 opinion as to the best type of hen to be employed in this connection. 



THE BANTAM AS FOSTER MOTHER.— There is a widespread 

 idea that the bantam breeds afford the ideal mother for ringnecks and from 

 time to time articles appear in sports publications gravely discussing this 

 matter. Medium to light weight hens of the ordinary breeds, however, 

 are to be preferred, and as they can cover more eggs and naturally are 

 able to generate more body heat for purposes of incubation, it seems reason- 

 able to suppose that the consideration of bantams is more or less time 

 wasted. The latter are not employed on any large farms so far as my 

 knowledge goes. If any reader feels that he wants to try the bantams 

 despite what has been said, it may be stated that the silkie and buff-cochin 

 (bantam, of course) both make excellent mothers, but the feathers on their 

 legs harbor vermin, a considerable disadvantage. Mr. Duncan Dunn 

 states that a cross of the silkie and fighting (not bantam) game, produces 

 a clean-legged fowl of excellent qualities as a mother. 



TYPE OF HEN EMPLOYED.— Heavy hens are usually avoided, as 

 well as long-legged individuals. The very best hen of all, perhaps, is the 

 bird of large frame, heavily feathered, but of medium weight. Rhode 

 Island Reds of medium to light weight, late hatched birds, usually make 

 excellent mothers. Mr. Harry T. Rogers employs most successfully large 

 numbers of two- and three-year-old white Leghorns, usually regarded as 

 non-sitters and entirely too nervous to make good mothers, but this 

 practice is not recommended to the inexperienced. Mr. Rogers' experi- 

 ence has been that many birds are killed on the nest by Plymouth Rocks. 

 Hens proving to be good mothers should be kept from year to year, as 

 they are a valuable asset indeed. 



INCUBATORS TO BE AVOIDED.— Incubators are not recom- 

 mended, though a small one will serve to take care of a clutch of eggs if a 

 setting hen is broken up till another can be provided. Pheasant chicks 

 will not hover in brooders, so that a hen mother has to be provided for 

 those hatched by incubator and, in addition, such stock has not the stamina 

 of birds incubated by natural methods. 



FIFTEEN EGGS TO HEN.— While experienced breeders place 19 

 to 21 eggs under each hen, it is best that the beginner use only 15. One 



