66 MANAGEMENT OF PHEASANTS IN CONFINEMENT. 
times a week, as a very large number of hens were kept. A book was kept, in 
which were entered the eggs laid each day, the eggs given out being also entered 
in a second column, and the number of birds hatched in a third; and the keeper 
was directed to preserve all the eggs not hatched or bad, so that they might be 
added to the number of birds, and the total of birds hatched and bad eggs compared 
with the eggs laid. The first ten or twelve hens brought out good broods of from 
thirteen to seventeen birds each. Afterwards they decreased, and in many cases 
there were only three, and even as low as one bird in a brood. The eggs were 
never more than a day or two old when first sat upon, we had often hens waiting 
for the eggs, and everything was most favourable for a large return of birds. At this 
time some suspicion was entertained, and for a time the keeper was more closely 
looked after, when the broods at once came up to twelve and fourteen birds. But, 
unfortunately, the same watchful care was not continued, and at the end of the 
season it was found that he was short upwards of seven hundred eggs, and that he 
had sold upwards of thirty-five pounds worth. The sitting-house was a first-rate 
one for the purpose—large, roomy, and dry. The keeper’s plan was to keep back 
a portion of good eggs out of each setting, and substitute bad ones in their place. 
I am very far indeed from saying that this isa common occurrence; for I am glad 
to say that most keepers are as anxious about their charges as their employers, and 
take a pride in showing a large head of game.” 
From the indisposition shown by the pheasant to incubate in confinement, it 
is necessary in all cases to have recourse to the hens of the domestic fowl as foster 
parents. Various opinions are offered as to the breed of fowls most suitable for the 
purpose. There can, however, be no doubt that it should be one of a moderate 
size, and not too prolific in egg producing, as it is essential that the mother hen 
should keep with the poults as long as possible, which she is not likely to do after 
she commences laying. Silky fowls are strongly recommended by some, and they 
unquestionably constitute admirable mothers. M. Vekemans, of the Antwerp ~ 
Zoological Gardens, where rare pheasants are reared more successfully than in any 
similar establishment in Europe, employs half-bred silkies; and the late Mr. Stone, 
of Scyborwen, fully indorsed his opinion. These half-bred silkies are good sitters, 
admirable mothers, and keep a long time with the young. The ordinary bantams 
sometimes recommended are undoubtedly too small, not being able to cover the 
poults when of any size. The employment of pure bred game hens is strongly 
recommended by many breeders of pheasants, as they will defend their chicks 
against any enemies that may attack them, though their natural wildness renders 
their management somewhat difficult at times; any small tame ordinary hens will 
answer if known as good nurses, and none others should be employed. 
It is the common custom to set the hens in close boxes, with little or no 
ventilation, crowded together in sitting houses. Under these conditions the nests 
