PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



chicks belonging to another hen just as well as they do to 

 their own. 



The hens weigh about 2 lbs., are pure white in colour, 

 whilst the skins are of a deep violet. The comb, the face 

 and the wattles are a reddish-purple, and the legs blue. 



Although any poultry may become infested with lice, 

 likewise with scaly-leg, the author believes that Silkies are 

 freer from these troubles than any other species of domestic 

 fowl ; therefore, this alone is a strong recommendation for 

 the adoption of these birds whenever possible. In order to 

 have a good supply of Silkies, the head-keeper should 

 encourage cottagers to raise as many as they can, and this 

 can be done by supplying them with a sitting of eggs on 

 equitable terms. The Silkie is hardy, good-tempered, and 

 will flourish in the smallest of spaces, but it is a variety 

 that does not do well if exposed to too much wet, cold or 

 excessive heat. 



The exigencies of circumstances may compel the game- 

 rearer to select broody hens of all sorts, shapes and sizes, 

 some of which will prove good, bad or indifferent sitters and 

 mothers, though there is one golden rule which cannot be 

 too strongly emphasised, and that is, select healthy, or 

 apparently healthy, brooders only. 

 , Infestation with lice, scaly-leg, tuberculosis, roup, as well 



, as enteric, are the principal troubles that the game-rearer 

 I must guard against. All these complaints have been referred 

 ' to under their several headings, in the chapters relating to 

 i diseases, but it is necessary to recapitulate the salient features 

 / indicative of such undesirable affections. 



Scaly-leg is easily recognised by the disorganised con- 

 dition of the scales upon one or both of the legs. Roup will 

 be recognised by a discharge from the nose and a snuffling 

 sound in the breathing. Lice require to be carefully looked 



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