PHEASANTS FROM SHELL TO SHOT 345 



The incubation period progressing, the eggs are tested by 

 looking at them before a strong light; the bad being rejected 

 and their places filled up by others set on the same date. 



As the twenty-fourth and last day of sitting draws near, 

 the nests set the same date should be thoroughly examined, 

 and the most forward eggs placed under the same hen. The 

 hens must also be watched to see that they do not kill their 

 poults as fast as they are hatched, and if they are restless 

 and uneasy when some of their birds are off, must be put out 

 at once, and the unhatched eggs transferred to another hen. 

 It is the wisest course to knock all bad mothers on the head. 



The mother and poults are now transferred for a day or 

 so to a coop, when, the weather being dry, they are conveyed 

 to the field where they are to be reared, prior to being turned 

 into the woods. 



The site of a rearing - ground is always a debatable 

 one. Mr Balls was in favour of rough layers or a light- 

 landed park, with an acclivity if possible. Paths should 

 be cut, dividing off the standing grass into squares like 

 a chess-board, thereby affording the youngsters a cool 

 retreat from the glare of the midday sun. Here they 

 are under constant surveillance, each coop packed up at even- 

 tide, opened again early in the morning, and moved twice 

 daily. They must be fed frequently, and at first it will be 

 found an advantage to lay a thin board near to each coop 

 to scatter the food upon, as the poults are not strong enough 

 to search amongst the herbage for it. 



Their food now is an all-important item ; it must be of the 

 very best, and expense must not be spared. Chopped eggs, 

 boiled rice (each grain separate), curds, greaves, bread crumbs, 

 custards, bruised hemp seed, and finely-chopped green food, 

 etc. A little good artificial food will be found invaluable, as, 

 when mingled with other foods, it adds an irresistible relish, 

 warding off that deplorable sight of fine healthy birds pining 

 and wasting away in the midst of plenty because their diet is 

 unnatural to them. Ants' eggs are valuable, but care must be 

 used in giving gentles, and on no account do so unless they are 



