2o6 A MONOGRAPH OF THE PHEASANTS 



complete. When the wire used is not of mesh sufficiently fine for the exclusion of rats, 

 a length of finer mesh, two feet in width, can be run around the bottom, topped by a 

 right-angle overhang of sheet metal, which will prevent the passage of the rodents. In 

 the case of formal buildings, it is often possible to let the foundations extend into 

 the ground for a considerable distance, below which rats will not burrow. 



The more simple type of aviary, which is usually seen on game farms and in most 

 cases where a few pheasants only are kept, can be erected at a very small expense. The 

 run should be made as large as circumstances will permit, and should be made as nearly 

 vermin-proof as possible. It should be well sodded and provided with plenty of shelter, 

 as in the more pretentious but not more efficacious structure. 



A low, open-fronted shed, placed with the back to the point of origin of the most 

 severe storms, will be found quite sufficient shelter for the birds. Indeed it is often 

 difficult to get them to enter the building provided. In spite of all the apparent comfort 

 offered by a sheltered perch, many pheasants prefer sleeping on the ground, tucking 

 themselves away in corners and under the shrubbery, and enduring the most severe 

 weather without injury or discomfort. 



SECURING THE BIRDS 



After the construction of the aviaries, the next step is to secure suitable inmates. 

 While the English Ring-necks are the cheapest birds attainable, the Goldens and Silvers 

 are much better suited to the limitations of the tyro, and the price asked for them is not 

 excessive. These birds are easily tamed, are very hardy and certainly not the least 

 beautiful of the pheasant family. Ring-necks, while easily kept and bred, are naturally 

 much wilder, rarely become tame and do not possess the pleasing beauty of many others. 

 After a start has been made, and much-needed experience gained, the amateur pheasant 

 keeper may take up many other expensive, but no less hardy, species, perhaps in the 

 order named : Lady Amherst, Reeves, the various Kaleege, and Silver Pheasants, 

 Elliots, Eared, the Impeyans, Tragopans, Peacock Pheasants, and finally, the more 

 delicate Argus and Firebacks. 



Pheasants are sold by numerous dealers, and examination of periodicals devoted to 

 country life will disclose their addresses. The prices asked are fairly well standardized 

 as a rule, and do not vary greatly in the more common species. With the rarer sorts, 

 however, the prices are less stable, as the supply fluctuates according to conditions in 

 their native country and the many vicissitudes to which they are subjected before 

 reaching their final destination. The cheapest birds are the English Ring-necks, which 

 in America usually sell at $6.00 (or 24s.) a pair, wholesale ; and prices range upward to 

 about $300 (or ;^6o), which is the sum usually asked in Europe for a pair of Argus, on 

 the rare occasions when they are obtainable. 



It is customary to buy pheasants in pairs, and prices are usually quoted on this 

 basis. In certain species, however, the male will mate with more than one female, and 

 in these cases it is well to secure several hens. When an extra female is desired, it 

 is customary for the dealer to ask sixty per cent, of the price of the pair. Even with the 

 birds which are strictly monogamous, it is well to secure at least two females, as the 

 males sometimes become murderous during the breeding season and will relentlessly 



