Pheasants at Low Hall , Kirby Moorside, Yorkshire



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Elliots are easy to sell, especially in America. The male bird gets

his full plumage the first year. The price is £20 a pair. Many varieties

of Pheasants do not attain full plumage until the second moult. This

is rather a drawback, as it means waiting a whole year before you see

them in their full beauty. Goldens, Amhersts, Silvers, Tragopans,

Monauls, and others all take a year before they are in full plumage.

The Argus Pheasant is a beautiful bird and the largest Pheasant

known. They are not very hardy, and it is very difficult to get fertile

eggs from them. There are three species of Argus kept in aviaries.

They are all rather expensive, especially the Rheinhart (Rheinardia

ocellata), which may cost £60 or more a pair. The Mikado Pheasant

is another rare species. I am fortunate to possess two pairs of these

birds, and hope to breed some this year. They are good layers, I believe,

are hardy, and easy to rear. The predominant colour is dark blue

with white spots. The hens are similar to most Pheasant hens in that

they are dull-coloured compared to their husbands. These birds are

worth about £60 a pair.


The Scemmerring Pheasant is a beautiful bird, and distinctly rare

and difficult to buy. The males are very pugnacious and often kill

their hens. I have given my bird three wives, so I hope he will be

content and not be too rough with them. I was not able to get any

fertile eggs from them last year.


I have not mentioned all the different Pheasants I have or have had,

as it would take up too much space. I will give a list of the Pheasants

I have now actually in stock at the end of my article. Fancy Pheasants

are very inexpensive to keep, they eat less than poultry. The best

corn is wheat all the year round, with a little crushed maize and a

little dari. I feed mine twice a day, but I know some people think once

a day sufficient. I leave it at that. I think a little meal at this time

of year is beneficial and helps their fertility. Plenty of green food all

through the year is absolutely essential. Cabbage in the winter,

dandelions and cut grass in the summer. Fresh water every day,

not every other day. Keep the water tins absolutely clean, and a

little disinfectant in the water once a week is a good thing. Keep your

aviaries scrupulously clean, and in the moulting season (which begins

about July-August) pick up all feathers. In the breeding season, be



