86 PHEASANTS FOR COVERTS AND AVIARIES. 



the birds and their keeper." Some writers recommend pens 

 made of eight hurdles,, each six feet long, giving a square of 

 twelve feet in each side, and having an interior space of only 

 144 superficial feet ; but these pens are too small for the 

 health or comfort of the birds, for they are far more apt to 

 fall into the evil habits of egg eating and feather plucking 

 than when confined in larger runs. 



With regard to the food of the old birds in the pens, the 

 more varied it is the better. Good sound grain, such as maize, 

 barley, buckwheat, malt, tail wheat, oats, &c., may be freely 

 used. But maize should be used sparingly, as it is too fatten- 

 ing for laying pheasants or hens. Mr. Baily recommends 

 strongly an occasional feed of boiled potatoes, of which the 

 birds are exceedingly fond. He writes : " For bringing 

 pheasants home, or for keeping them there, we know of 

 nothing equal to boiled potatoes. Let them be boiled with 

 the skins whole, and in that state taken to the place where 

 they are to be used. Before they are put down, cut out of 

 each skin a piece the size of a shilling, showing the meal 

 within. Place them at moderate distances from each other, 

 and the birds will follow them anywhere." 



Rice and damaged currants and raisins are very well for 

 an occasional change, but should be sparingly used. A few- 

 crushed acorns may be given from time to time, but an 

 excessive consumption is apt to prove injurious. Mr. J. 

 Fairfax Muckley, of Audnam, writes on their employment as 

 follows : " Three seasons ago I laid in a stock of acorns, and 

 instructed the feeder to give the pheasants a few every day. 

 They preferred them to other food. In one week I had ten 

 dead birds. They were fat and healthy in every respect, 

 with the exception of inflammation of the intestines. My 

 conclusion is, that if allowed to have free access to acorns 

 they eat more than they should, and consequently many 

 die." On the other hand, it should be remembered that 

 pheasants at liberty usually have access to an unlimited 

 supply of acorns, 



