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R . F. Rouse—Fancy Pheasants



PLUS


Peafowl, Black-shouldered.


Chukar Partridges.


Bustard Quails.


Chinese Painted Quails.


Californian Quails.


Jungle Fowl, etc.


So much has been written as to which is the most handsome species,

and so many comments have been made, it is not necessary for me to

dwell upon this point, except to say that the majority are very

beautifully marked and are truly handsome birds.


As to the keeping and care of Pheasants, their needs are simple,

but it is essential to have a fair knowledge of their requirements,

and one cannot do better than purchase one of the many books

which are on the market. Personally, the book which I treasure more

than any other is one by Wm. Beebe entitled Pheasants, their Lives

and Homes , which can be obtained through the usual channels. Here

you have particulars of their habits, foods, housing, etc., all of which

are most helpful and valuable. In brief, my experience has been as

follows :—


Housing. —It is not necessary to give the majority large pens as

they do quite well in a limited amount of space, providing the correct

food is given. However, during the spring and summer not more

than one pair should occupy the same enclosure, and aviaries should

be well supplied with shrubs for protecting the hens during the

breeding season.


Food .—I was recommended to give the following: wheat, hemp,

dari, crushed maize, green food, flint grit (meal during winter months),

but in all instances in small quantities, in fact I found that these birds

eat less than ordinary poultry, and are, therefore, not expensive to

keep.


Water .—It is most essential that this should be fresh and should

be changed at least once daily: this point is most important if you

wish to keep your birds in a healthy condition, and it is advisable

to add a small quantity of sulphate of iron to the water, say twice

weekly.



