PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



though, of course, every keeper has his preference in this 

 matter. Gentles or maggots are highly esteemed as a food 

 for chicks, and there are various methods of obtaining a 

 supply of these ; but where insect life is abundant on the 

 rearing-field, such natural food has advantages over that 

 artificially supplied. 



Maggots can be obtained from either seaweed or flesh. 

 If seaweed is used it must be placed in a heap and allowed 

 to rot for a fortnight. The maggots can be cleaned by 

 placing them in sand and bran, then gently heating them 

 on an iron shovel over the fire when they are ready for 

 feeding the birds. But even maggots must be given with 

 discrimination. 



Two parts of maize-meal, one of wheat and one of 

 oats, mixed with hot water and allowed to swell for a couple 

 of hours before feeding, is a capital food. 



If feeding boards are placed in front of the coops, these 

 should be scalded every day. 



As a substitute for eggs and milk, dried yolk of eggs 

 and dried milk can be employed, and when these are 

 mixed with biscuit - meal, stale bread, rice, or any other 

 meals mentioned, a really serviceable article of dietary is 

 provided, and one that healthy Pheasant chicks ought to 

 thrive on. 



As showing some of the constituents of various meals, 

 etc., used in Pheasant-rearing, the author appends an analysis 

 of these, shown in tabular form : — 



Barley-meal 



Water . . ii.i 



Mineral Salts 5.7 



Fibre of Husk .31.9 



Carbo-hydrates . . .34.8 

 Fats or Oils ... 4.9 

 Albuminoids . . . 11.6 



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