60 



Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc. 



SWINHOE PHEASANTS Adapted to the aviary 



The Swinhoe is a very handsome bird. It is of the same genus as the silver pheasant 

 and requires the same treatment. They originate from Formosa. The adult male has a 

 pure white crest ; red wattles. The underside of body is deep steel blue; lower part of neck, 

 white; shoulder, maroon; wing, brilliant green; centre tail feathers, white lyre shaped, lower 

 ones blue-black; legs, red. The hen is very similar to a silver hen in plumage, but rather 

 lighter and with pointed breast feathers. The average weight of these birds is from three to 

 six pounds; hen lays from twelve to fifteen eggs in season. They do not obtain their full 

 plumage until the second year, are extremely hardy and easily raised and mate in pairs only. 



SOEMMERING PHEASANTS Adapted to covert 



The plumage of the adult male is of golden copper color, every feather having a margin 

 of white and black; tail, reddish, with wide bars, shading into pale colors. The hen has 

 similar plumage but less brilliant; tail, short and round. These are also called copper 

 pheasants. Undoubtedly, these pheasants are among the most beautiful birds on this globe. 

 They compare in richness and brilliancy with almost any specie of pheasant. They are 

 native on the Island of Nippon. In size, they are the same as ringnecks, weighing about 

 three pounds, and are fairly good breeders. Hen averages from thirty to forty eggs in season. 



Hens' nests should be made at least seven inches deep so the eggs cannot roll out of the 

 nest, preventing them from getting broken Broken eggs give hens the first chance to get 

 a taste of eggs and become egg eaters. It is very hard to cure egg eaters. 



