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The
Reliable Pheasant Standard
The Recognized Authority
A Practical Guide
on the
Culture, Breeding, Rearing, Trapping, Preserving, Crossmating, Protecting
Stocking, Hunting, Propagating, Etc.
of
Pheasants, Game Birds, Ornamental Land and Water Fowl
Singing Birds, Etc.
Valuable Recipes for Poultrymen
" The Secret to Make Hens Lay in Winter"
BY FERD. J. SUDOW
Adding the experience of several other Successful Breeders
THIRD EDITION ENLARGED PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED
COLORED PLATES
COPYRIGHT 1910, POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.
ON THE FARM
CONTENTS
(Third Edition)
The articles and illustrations in this book appear in the following order:
PAGE
Pheasants for Zoological Parks 14
General History and Management of Pheasants ... 15
The care and breeding of matured Pheasants 16
A few hints on good health 17
Method of raising Pheasants successfully 18
Hybrid Pheasants 18
Barrel nest and practical Pheasant coop 19
Pheasant breeding yields an enormous profit .... 21
A fortune to an industrious breeder 21
Recipe for cold and roup 23
An ideal Pheasantry and practical gate 24
Colored plates of Pheasants 25
Ideal poultry house, scratching pen and cat
proof yard 27
Amherst Pheasants displaying their striking plum-
age during breeding season 27
Cat proof yard and fence 28
A hawk protector 29
How to ship Pheasants 30
A telegram from California in May 31
Pheasant market 31
To keep Pheasants from straying 31
Trapping Pheasants 31
Crows the worst enemies of Game Birds 31
For Sportsmen nothing exceeds Pheasant shooting 32
A morning Pheasant shoot 32
Pheasants as insect destroyers 32
A wonderful industry 33
How to attract birds 33
Australian Crown Pigeons, Scotch Grouse, Scaled
and Siberian Partridges and Prairie Chickens. . . 36
Notes from another Pheasant fancier 37
Pheasants the friend of the farmer 38
A practical rat trap 39
Recipes for something good to eat besides Pheas-
ants 41
Colored plates of Pheasants 43
Stuffed Pheasants for mounting purposes 46
Pheasant breeding in America by J. Alden Loring.. 47
Description of Pheasants 54
Great Argus Pheasant 54
Impeyan Pheasant 54
Peacock Pheasant 55
Trapogan Pheasant 55
Versicolor Pheasant 56
Fireback Pheasant 56
Chinese or Ring Neck Pheasant 57
Silver Pheasant 57
Golden Pheasant 58
Elliott Pheasant 58
Manchurian Pheasant 59
PAGE
Lady Amherst Pheasant 59
Swinhoe Pheasant 60
Soemmering Pheasant 60
Full-page colored plates of Pheasants 62
Reeves Pheasant 63
Japanese Pheasant 64
Black Neck Pheasant 65
Common Pheasant 65
Reeves Pheasant 66
Siamese Pheasant 66
Melanotus Pheasant 66
Mongolian Pheasant 66
Prince of Wales Pheasant 67
Hagenbeck Pheasant 67
All about tails 67
Testimonials 68
Messina and California Quail 69
Mandarin and Wood Duck breeding 70
Swimming pool for Mandarin and Wood Ducks ... 70
Squirrels 71
Peacock Breeding 72
Auerhahn or Capercaikies 72
Vultrine Guinea Fowl 73
Jungle Fowl 73
A practical poultry house with scratching shed ... 74
The secret to make hens lay in winter 74
A little severe talk on crows 75
Japanese Long Tail Phoenix Fowl 75
Artificial nests for singing birds 76
How to trap sparrows 76
Pheasant capons 77
Hungarian Partridges 78
Colored plate of Belgian Homers 80
European Roe Deer 81
Rabbit breeding 82
A Quail and Partridge trap 83
Angora Goats 83
Bohemian Quail, Swiss Chamois 84
Ostrich Breeding 85
Swan Breeding 87
Indian R unner Ducks 88
Deer Farming 89
Japanese Ring Doves, Cuban and Wonga Doves. . . 90
Questions and answers, A trap for game 91
Wild Turkeys 92
A long, wearisome letter 92
Egyptian Geese, Canadian Geese,
Most practical Pigeon nests 93
New discovery for the destruction of rats and
mice 94
FERD. J. SUDOW
INTRODUCTION
For a number of years I have been a most enthusiastic admirer and breeder of pheasants,
ornamental birds and game, and always on the look-out for new innovations in this line. I
have corresponded with many fanciers on the subject and collected all the information pos-
sible. The results of my practical experience, I will endeavor to render in plain words and
short sentences as explicit as possible in this little book.
The artificial culture of pheasants and Game birds is not entirely a new one ; yet it will
attain more popular attention when it becomes known what pleasure and profit can be
derived from this grand industry under proper management. The fancier who wishes to
keep these birds, take an interest in them, and make them happy. It is my purpose in
writing this book to give as clearly and plainly as possible the needful instruction for the
culture and management of these birds. I believe once started, the fascination, pleasure
and profit will not let you abandon this beautiful industry again.
Very truly yours,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
/
HASELUNNE. PROVINCE HANNOVER, GERMANY
Birthplace oi the Author
14
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Pheasants for Zoological Parks
Pheasants are of great amusement,
education and pleasure to the children, because
they are always on the move
showing their magnificent,
gorgeous plumage and dis-
playing it in all kinds of
shapes and forms. Noth-
ing excels a complete
M / A variety of the 34 breeds of
Pheasants for exhibition or
as an attraction for Zoologi-
cal purposes. It would
beautify every city and
town to establish a public
Pheasant Park; be of im-
mense pleasure to the
young folks and of great
interest to the community
at large.
Without a doubt a do-
nation of a pheasant park
will be considered a great
charitable act as well as a
memorial. Will also be a
grand educator.
••I
GOLDEN PHEASANT— THE KING OF THE PHEASANT FAMILY
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
15
General History and Management of Pheasants
Pheasant breeding in the United States is still in its infancy, although it has become
quite popular in the east of late years and will soon be prominently introduced all over the
country. The pheasant is of a most noble and beautiful form, attractive head, stout bill,
short wings, elegant long tail adorned with brilliant golden spangled plumage. One breed
more beautiful than others. Printers cannot describe pheasants; an artist can only give a
faint idea of these gorgeous birds with their magnificent combination of colors, and the most
graceful figure, style and action. Anyone having a high appreciation of the beautiful can-
not fail to be an admirer only, but a true pheasant fancier. A visit to an aviary containing
varieties of the pheasant family will convince you that they are not a picture dream, but one
of Nature's charms to the eye. They are of ancient origin and they have been found in many
parts in the world.
FEATHERS OF THE GREAT ARGUS PHEASANT
The pheasant will eat almost anything, — grain, herbage, roots, berries, insects, — small
food of any kind. Ants are the most favorite food and the chief support of the young.
They also eat green weeds, tender shoots of grass, cabbage, young clover, wild cress. They
relish grapes, and in the fall of the year, ripe seeds are their chief food.
In Oregon, where Ringneck Pheasants were set at liberty about thirty years ago, they
have become quite common. Their favorite haunts are low grounds near fields of grain.
They are very prolific, — a pair will hatch from forty to fifty eggs and raise most all the young.
An interesting fact is that the Golden Pheasants have also become wild in Oregon and
the flesh is found very white and tender. A Golden Pheasant is a great ornamental aviary
bird, and to a country estate, it is difficult to imagine any greater attraction.
In the Eastern States, Ringneck Pheasants are, in certain localities, doing very well.
As many as three thousand birds have been reared and turned out by a single keeper, and
the pheasant is generally regarded as the future game bird of the country. The bird can
stand, not only the extreme heat of summer, but the severe cold and blizzards of winter.
A number of game clubs have been formed for their protection, and large numbers are now
raised on Long Island preserves. They are also branching out in many parts of New Jersey,
Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Colorado. All game commissioners
are encouraging their breeding, and the outlook for the handsomest and most delicious
game bird is quite rosy in this country
Beautiful postal cards in colors of Pheasants, Ducks, Game, etc., 40c per 50,
and a scheme how to make money "Quick", by mail, goes with them.
FERD. J. SUDOW, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
16 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
The Caring and Breeding of Matured Pheasants
To exclude sparrows from pheasant yards — and prevent them from eating two-thirds
of the feed — one-inch mesh wire should be used, and put five inches in the ground. A breed-
ing pen for a pair or trio should be about 10x12 feet, seven feet high, covered top, with a shed
facing south in which the sand is banked four inches answering as a dust bath. It is abso-
lutely necessary for birds to bathe in dust in order to keep a fine, glossy and clean plumage.
The entire front of the shed should be left open. I plant small live evergreen or cedar trees
for shade in this run, and during the breeding season put the perches very low (made of 1 ^£x3
inch lumber, in the shed only; , to avoid eggs being broken if dropped during the night, and
prevent egg eaters.
Pheasants are very intelligent birds. If they once get a taste of eggs they will most
generally eat them during that season, in which case the only way to save the pheasant
eggs is to keep a lot of chicken eggs before them, which they prefer to eat to their own.
CHINESE MONGOLIAN PHEASANT.
Another good way to prevent both eating of eggs and plucking the feathers from
each other, is the practice of giving a portion of well crushed bone regularly.
Sometimes a cock appears very cruel to his hens and drives them too much. As a pre-
vention, connect his legs by a piece of soft string, long enough for him to walk easily, but not
to run. By doing this the hens are allowed a chance to escape his cruel treatment. Again,
another easy remedy is to cut off the point of the cock's bill hindering him from pecking the
hen on the head. A pheasant cock will mate with two or three hens.
I do not approve of more than one cock in a breeding pen ; they are great fighters and
fight till death. Although cocks left without hens apparently are quite peaceable ; a great jeal-
ousy exists among cocks when put with hens. I advise changing cocks from time to time
in the breeding pen, in order to produce strong chicks, and every egg laid to be fertile.
Pheasants are of very hardy constitution and will stand most any kind of weather and not
take much shelter. Diseases so common among chickens, such as roup, etc., very seldom
occur among pheasants. For best egg results feed lots of good heavy oats and greens;
occasionally a little mash mixed of bran, ground oats, cut clover, beef scraps, sprinkled with
a pinch of PRATT'S Poultry Food. I do not feed corn from February until August.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
17
To illustrate how much depends on feeding, a neighbor of mine one season fed corn
exclusively, kept it before the birds permanently and realized nine eggs of a Silver Pheas-
ant hen, where I succeeded to average 51 eggs of each silver hen during same season. Pheas-
ant hens commence to lay in April to August. They make their nests by digging a hole in
the ground. Varieties of pheasants lay from 10 to 80 eggs in a season. After the breeding
season is over and during the winter I feed principally corn, cabbage and apples, and put lots
of cornstalks along the west and north fence of run for shelter and have lots of pine needles on
the ground ; it helps to melt the snow quickly and keeps the birds off the wet ground. I do not
use boards at the bottom of south side of pen, as I want to give as much sunshine as pos-
sible to the aviary. Pheasants should always be caught with a scap-net and taken up by the
body, as the legs are very easily broken. It is a good idea to clip one wing short in order
to keep them from flying heavily against the wire, for they are apt to kill themselves in
this way. If minks or weasels are in the neighborhood, one-inch mesh wire should abso-
lutely be used for three feet at the bottom of the pen, keeping these devils out and put six
inches in the ground to keep dogs out. I know an occasion where a mink killed 41 pheas-
ants in one night.
SOEMMERING— JAPANESE COPPER PHEASANT
A Few Hints on Good Health
for
Instead of coffee or tea, drink cocoa shells; costs 3c pound, enough
month. A wonderful tonic for the nerves.
Walk erect, throw out your chest. Breath through the nose.
Use freely of Italian Olive Oil for all purposes. Drink it. Rub it on the body,
behind the ears, on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, etc. Oil will preserve
life, vitality and strength in the human system the same as in machinery. Use it
every day. When a cold comes on you, snuff olive oil up your nostrils every hour.
It will effect a cure in 12 hours.
For cold and wet feet take a hot foot bath. It is beneficial for all purposes.
To retain an active liver, drink at least three glasses of water a day.
18 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Method of Raising Pheasants Successfully
Pheasant hens, during confinement, are very poor mothers and do not seem to have
much natural love for their young. Therefore, to raise them successfully, small common
chicken hens are used. I find a hen of soft, fluffy feathers an excellent foster-mother; of
course for best results, I advise most all breeds of Bantams and Japanese Silkies. The most
important point in raising pheasants is to rid the setting hen of lice and red mites, which is
quite a hard task. Pheasant chicks' cannot stand worriment from lice.
HYBRID PHEASANTS— CROSS OF REEVES AND RINGNECK
I believe 50 per cent of all chicks hatched in this country are killed from worriment of
lice in their early stages of life. A great many breeders use poisonous insect powder to de-
stroy lice, but I never found it very effective; it does not kill lice eggs and I believe, inasmuch
as this powder comes in contact with the young chicks, and gets into their throats, it is very
injurious to the birds and a great drawback to their growth. For a number of years I used
ordinary kerosene oil exclusively to kill mites and lice on setting hens. - Three days before
I put the hen on pheasant eggs I give her a few light applications of kerosene oil, rubbing
the oil into the feathers, which does not hurt in the least, and place her on a nest of sawdust
treated with kerosene also. I know from experience this treatment will free her entirely
from lice and mites. (To keep red mites and lice out, I place sawdust in hens' nests all the
year round and sprinkle it occasionally with kerosene.) I remove the hen to a cat-proof
yard away from all chicken roosts. I use a common flour barrel like illustration, for a nest,
top covered with Paroit Roofing. Nothing beats it. A hole is cut in the side of the barrel
for the hen to go in and out at will, the eggs are placed on a piece of sod and the barrel
stands in a shady spot in an upright position. In this I come very near to nature hatching
pheasant eggs: and it has been a great success with me. In extreme dry weather I sprinkle
the eggs three or four times during incubation with tepid water. I give a hen from to 10 to 12
eggs, no more, and place as many as fifteen barrels in one yard. To make sure, I place a
heavy stone on top of each barrel in order to keep it erect during heavy storms, and in wet
weather I place a board in front of hole in a slanting position to keep the rain out. Pheas-
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepste, N. Y.
19
ant eggs hatch within 20 to 23 days. On the nineteenth
day of incubation I attach a piece of J/£-inch mesh poultry
wire in front' of hole on the barrel so the chicks when hatch-
ed cannot jump out and perish. I use a coop like illus-
tration. The entire front is of 2-inch poultry wire, and
place it in a shady spot. The shape of this coop keeps
the hen in the middle of the coop and she has little chance
to step on the chicks, which is a very important point, as
they are very small and apt to get under her feet, therefore
1 advise small hens for mothers. RUBEROID roofing, best
in the world, made by the Standard Paint Co., 100 William
St., New York City, covers the coop, which is thoroughly
whitewashed and sprinkled with kerosene before using and
every week the coop is changed. During wet weather a
board two feet square is placed in front of coop, so the rain
cannot drive in the coop. A yard about three feet square
made of a 12-inch wide board is placed around the coop for the first five days in order
for the young to get used to the mother's call and not wander off.
Pheasants, when hatched, are very strong and lively and ready to eat. For the first
three weeks I feed canary seed, dry bread, custard, hard boiled eggs, game food and angle-
worms, and never touched their feed with my hands. Young pheasants should be fed at
BARREL NEST
PRACTICAL PHEASANT COOP
least four times a day. I find that custard made of milk and eggs is the best feed that
should be given them for the first week. Feed them on a board or common pie pan. Water
is given once a day in the evening.
English gamekeepers claim, in regard to first food for the young chicks, there is nothing
superior to a supply of fresh ant eggs. For grain, they also strongly recommend a good pro-
portion of canary seed in addition to grit. However, they claim when grain is crushed or
bruised its vitality is destroyed and that it undergoes a change, when exposed to the air.
The best substitute for ant eggs is custard, made by beating an egg with a tablespoonful of
milk and cooking same by gentle heat in an oven. No artificially prepared animal food can
surpass this mixture. I am confident that a larger proportion of poults can be reared if
custard and canary seed form their food for the first few weeks than on any other diet what-
ever.
20
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
An excellent pasture is a clover patch or strawberry bed. Grass and greens are as much
the staff of pheasants as bread is to man. Young pheasants will thrive on grass and greens
exclusively. However, I consider clover the best pasture for them. They are as easy to
raise as chickens and can be reared in any kind of climate. I raise on an average 80 per
cent every year. When four weeks old I feed grain of every description, and when seven weeks
old I cage them and give them plenty of perches and lots of brush and old trees to roost on
in the run, which is an important point to observe, because young pheasants cannot stand
roosting on bare and damp grounds. After October a shed should be provided for pheasants
to roost under. Pheasants are small feeders, they grow fast and have their full size and
plumage when five months old. I do not approve of giving sick pheasants or chickens very
much water, fever appears in most instances with all sickness and keeps the bird drinking
constantly, which is very detrimental for their condition. To get pheasants well acclimated
and rightly quartered, they should be purchased in the fall of the year.
On many estates in England, pheasants are reared by mating wild cocks to tame hens.
The pheasantry is constructed with an open top, and the wild cock birds visit them regularly.
They claim that from these birds, the chicks are invariably stronger and hardier and conse
quently easier reared than those bred in the ordinary way.
Another plan is to leave the pen quite open at the top and clip one of the wings of each
bird, cutting off about fourteen of the flight feathers, close but not into the quills. When the
birds cannot fly, they become much tamer, are more productive and not so apt to injure
themselves by dashing wildly about. I do not approve of pinioning the birds, as it makes
them incapable of taking care of themselves whenjturned out into the open and certain to
fall a prey to ground vermin.
For bringing pheasants home, that have strayed away, I know of nothing equal to
boiled potatoes. Boil them with the skins, whole, and cut out of each skin a piece the size
of a quarter of a dollar, showing the meat, and place them at moderate distances apart and
the birds will follow them anywhere.
In speaking of aviaries, I consider those that are movable, superior to fixed ones, so
as to enable the shifting to new grounds as often as convenient.
In some parts of Germany, turkey hens are employed to hatch pheasant eggs. These
hens make excellent mothers and are capable of hatching and rearing twice the number of
poults that an ordinary hen can raise.
COOP AND RUN- FOR PHEASANT CHICKS
The most practical way of keeping pheasants, and if you have the room, set aside two
separate runs for a pen of pheasants, and seed these runs in clover in the early spring and
change the birds from one to the next run weekly. It will be the means of securing an abun-
dance of eggs and keep the birds in the finest of health. Every breed of pheasants should
be kept separate. It is absolutely necessary to have the sun reach the aviary. I visited a
pheasantry on Long Island kept by a very rich man. The runs for the beautiful birds were
box stalls boarded up four feet and about six feet square. Around these little jails were
attached looking-glasses and the birds were compelled to see their ghosts all day. All I wish
to say, dear reader, if I had to house in these little stalls I would go crazy within one month.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
21
Pheasant Breeding Yields an Enormous Profit
A Fortune to all Industrious Breeder
(It pays 1,000 per cent better than chicken raising.)
Pheasant meat sells from $3.00 to $20.00 a pound in the markets.
Pheasant breeding will soon come to the front. The meat far excels any kind of game
in delicacy and flavor. It costs no more to raise pheasants than it costs to raise chickens,
in fact not as much, as pheasants are small
feeders. Chicken meat sells for 20 cents
a pound, pheasant meat sells from $3.00
to $20.00 a pound in the open market.
Again chicken feathers sell for 25 cents a
pound. Pheasant feathers sell as high as
30 cents each feather for millinery and fly
fishhook purposes. Taxidermists pay as
high as $15.00 for skins for stuffing and
mounting purposes. A fortune can be
made in a short period to breed pheasants
by the 1,000. A pair of pheasants will
yield a yearly profit of from $40.00 to
$300.00. English, Chinese, Ringneck and
Mongolian pheasants are bought up in
great quantities by our wealthy sportsmen for the purpose of stocking their preserves; also
sold in the open market with feathers on in large cities at a high price and in great demand.
About 500,000 pheasants are imported annually for the American market, both dead and
alive, for table, millinery, taxidermy, etc., purposes. Also for stocking game preserves.
ELLIOTT PHEASANTS
IMPEYAN PHEASANTS
Our wealthy sports are fast following the English Lords for a pheasant invitation shoot of
1,000 birds killed in a day of which we read about frequently in England. Great many gun
clubs are leasing small islands along the coast in the east for the purpose of holding pheasant
shoots, I furnished to such an island for a private club 800 pheasants just for a day's shoot.
22
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
No doubt they would have repeated this sport had I been able to furnish the birds. Live
pigeon shooting is now prohibited by law in the States of New York, Massachusetts, Connec-
ticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana ; also quail cannot be trapped or shipped excepting by special
permit, and our rich cracksmen are compelled to fall back to some other wing birds. Ex-
pense is no object to them; what they want is sport. I am convinced pheasants for shooting
MANCHURIAN PHEASANTS
will be more in demand from year to year. I bought every pheasant procurable in thirty
States and Canada last fall, which were offered at reasonable prices. Golden Pheasants are
valuable for their feathers for fly hook manufacturers, the crest and tipped feathers bring
as high as 80 cents a dozen feathers, tail feathers 25 cents each. Golden skins for mounting
bring as high as $8.00 each, and there is no handsomer sight than to see a dozen of these
birds in a pen. The cost of keeping a pair of golden pheasants is about thirty cents a year.
SILVER PHEASANTS
Paint your roosts and coops occasionally with kerosene, in order to keep lice from
breeding. According to statistics, lice pests cost the farmers of the country over $700,000,
000.
Make it a point to always keep your tools in the same place, where you can find them
readily.
By Ferd. J . Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
23
Amherst, Silver or Reeves pheasants bring as high as $15.00 each for mounting purposes,
and are in great demand by taxidermists. Beside this market, every variety of pheasants
are kept all over the United States as a petjbird. A great many of our wealthy fanciers keep
a pheasantry to-day. Howard Gould's plant and collection of pheasants in Port Washing-
ton, New York, is said to be worth $8,000. The pheasant industry is growing fast. I think
I was one of the first pheasant boomers in this country, and have agents all over the world.
REEVES PHEASANTS
Recipe~for Cold and Roup
Do not give any water, nor let the bird drink rain water or eat snow. Rub a little
vaseline well around the nostrils twice a day for four or five days. To a 5c jar of vaseline
mix about twelve drops of carbolic acid. Feed extra nourishing food.
ELLIOTT PHEASANTS
24
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
AN IDEAL PHEASANTRY
v^'^3-^51
A PRACTICAL POULTRY-YARD GAT
An Ideal Pheasantry
An aviary built like the above of 1-inch poultry wire, top covered 8 feet high, 12 feet
wide, 15 feet long, with an open shed attached and facing the exposure of the sun with
cedar trees on the west side of run in order to break off the cold winds in winter will make
about the best pheasant yard I can think of. The perches, made of Ix5-inch lumber,
should be low and in the shed only, in order to compel the pheasants to roost under shelter
as they prefer to roost outside. Pheasants fear darkness. They do not like to go under
shelter. Their natural inclination is to roost in dead trees, where light is most prominent.
It is practical to enclose the front of shed in 2-inch poultry wire with a wire door, in
order to keep the birds under the shed all together during wet and stormy weather. Fine
sand should be put in the shed about six inches deep above the outside surface, answering
as a dust bath, which will keep the birds in fine plumage, healthy condition and in order to
free themselves of vermin. Hay should be added for the winter. Pheasants can stand any
amount of cold weather. The 1-inch mesh wire should be buried six inches in the ground,
to prevent dogs, etc., from digging underneath. No boards are used at the bottom. Plen-
ty of shade should be provided for the aviary during the summer. It will be a great pleasure
to keep pheasants in an aviary like this. A customer, 72 years old, starting in the pheas-
ant industry, wrote: "I certainly missed a great deal in my life. Every Sunday morning is
worth $25 to me now watching my beautiful pheasants in the aviary." Pheasants and
pigeons go fine together and seem to have a great attachment for one another. Carnegie
is trying to make people happy by giving his money away ; but as I have no millions to give
away, I am trying the very best next thing for your happiness that money can buy. Pheas-
ant breeding will soon become popular, not alone for their beauty, taxidermy and feathers,
but meat especially. We all like something good to eat, and there is nothing finer to be had
than a pheasant roast.
A Practical Poultry- Yard Gate
It will make you feel good to open and shut this gate. The greatest obstacle in visiting
pheasantries and poultry farms I met with on my trips was to find practical gates for the
yards. In some instances it made me disgusted, and again I had a good laugh over it. It
took sometimes fully three minutes of hard labor to open and shut a gate. I'd like to hear
from the genius who can improve on above gate for simplicity. A is a lath extending 3
inches on the top of gate and which goes behind the block B on the post. This block is set
half an inch above the post and made with a slight slant. In using stout leather hinges
IMPEYAN PHEASANT
MANCHURIAN PHEASANT
MANDARIN DUCK
JAPANESE VERSI-COLOR PHEASANT
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
27
An^ideal'poultry" house and scratching pen with cat- proof
yard which is covered with.paroid roofing
are best for the scratching pen.
The upper part of half a butter
tub nailed to the side of the roost
makes a fine hen's nest. Sawdust
sprayed with kerosene, placed in
these nests is the best preventive
of lice and mites. A great many
cats eat young chickens, and it is a
good idea to have the yard cat
proof as explained on another
page. Everything depends on how
things are fixed practically with
poultry. It saves lots of money
and an awful lot of trouble and
worriment.
the gate can be raised off the block
(lock) immediately and it will lock
and stay locked in giving it a fair
slam against the post. It should
be hung two inches from the ground.
If you cannot comprehend the con-
struction, show the illustration to
a carpenter.
If you want eggs all the year
around, it is absolutely necessary
to have an open scratching pen at-
tached to your hen roost in order
to keep the birds working during
rough weather Cut cornstalks
AMHERST PHEASANTS
Displaying their striking plumage during breeding season
MY FRIENDS. THE CHILDREN, ON A JOYFUL AUTO RIDE
28 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasantt, etc.
Cat-Proof Yard and Fence
Cats are most destructive to young pheasants and I believe eat a good percentage of
young chickens. To make a cat-proof yard it requires a fence a cat cannot climb or jump.
Set a post 4% feet high out of the ground, attack to this post with staples a stout iron rod
2^ feet above the post, bend over to inside of the yard with a hook on top in order to fasten
the poultry wire to this hook. This makes it a 7-foot fence (see illustration of cat-proof
fence). Use the 1-inch mesh wire, put it five inches in the ground and attach it to the
hook on iron rod. I do not advise using a 2-inch mesh wire because a small cat can get
through this mesh. Cats cannot climb poultry wire, nor the iron rod above the post and
SWINHOE PHEASANT
it is impossible for them to get into this yard. I have tried this cat-proof yard for many
years and found it of great success. Before I had the cat-proof yard /I always had
trouble with cats and my neighbors. On one occasion a neighbor threatened to do me great
bodily harm because I shot his pet cat. I told him that his cat had no more right to eat my
pheasants than I had in his shop stealing his tools, but he would not look at it in that light
and insisted that I committed an act of cruelty to animals because the cat had little ones to
nurse.
J
ENGLISH PARTRIDGES
Can be bred in captivity same as pheasants
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
29
CAT-PROOF FENCE
Cats are very shrewd — more so than
foxes — crazy for young pheasant meat,
and indeed very hard to destroy. A cat
will consume from two to four young
pheasants or young ch'ckens in a day.
Placing poison meat is illegal, but
where it is absolutely necessary to use
poison for cats, a little carbonate of
baryta mixed up with a soft roe of red
herring or shad, is the most certain and
speedy that can be used.
I had three acres fenced in like the
illustration and had no further trouble
from vermin. Young pheasants and
chickens are perfectly safe in this yard
from cats, dogs, weasels, minks, foxes,etc.
The illustration below (copyright) shows
my original hawk protector for young
pheasants, also intended for young chicks
A HAWK PROTECTOR
Around the coop is placed cut cedar trees for the birds to hide in when the hawk makes his
appearance Two-inch poultry wire is placed over the cedar bushes and it is astonishing
how soon the young birds know
these safe places. The hawk,
bouncing painfully upon the
wire after the pheasants and
chicks, and also through the
noise of the mother hen in the
coop, gets very much frightened;
he will quickly retreat and never
make his appearance again. --«™ ra^tr^a m^Tis&jK??' '"'^
Now dear reader, kindly let ^$SHI lrfflBlff"tf
me know if you can improve up-
on this idea. I am trying very
hard to stay ahead of foxes,
hawks, etc. We have to be
wide-awake in order to succeed
in this grand industry. And
remember don't "kick," but try
and find a remedy for "kicking." HUNGARIAN PHEASANT
30
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Shipping
Pheasants
The most practicable
shipping coop for pheas-
ants is a wooden box
about 15 inches high in
which are bored a lot of
holes 1 H inches in diam-
eter in the sides and top.
The top holes are very
important in order that
the expressman may see
that the box contains
live stock, and not han-
dle the box like a foot-
ball as they most gener-
ally do handle boxes.
I find that the birds
keep very peaceable in
this coop, peeping out of
a hole and inhaling the
fresh air, whereas canvas coops are very hot and the birds are compelled to inhale foul
air, which makes them very restless and feverish. The express companies handle wooden
coops at single rates, but if canvas is used double rates are charged. We have shipped lots
of pheasants to California in wooden coops, arriving in fine condition. Instead of water,
potatoes and apples are put in the coop.
Wire or lath coops are the most out of place for
shipping pheasants. From all my experience I do
not approve of putting water in shipping coops as
it is bound to spill out, making the coop dirty and
soiling the beautiful plumage of the birds; again.
if left for any length of time it becomes stagnant
and poisonous to the birds. Pheasants can stand
being without water for a week, and does it no
harm to the birds.
THE ARGUS PHEASANT DISPLAYING ITS PLUMAGE
Paste labels on top of coops, same as the following :
LIVE STOCK
PLEASE SHIP ON FAST EXPRESS
Dear Mr. Expressman
Please Do Not Handle US Poor Birdies
Like a Football
SHIPPING COOP
This is to call the attention of
the expressman to the fact that
there is live stock in the coop.
Pheasants are shipped to mar-
ket with feathers on, as they are
valuable for millinery purposes.
To properly embark in the
pheasant business, it is necessary
to be familiar with carpenter's
tools.
The Lord will surely reward
you if you are good and kind to
dumb animals and your enemies.
Remember: On Earth, Peace
to men of good-will.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 31
Pheasant Market
A game law soon will be established* 'in the State of New York, allowing Ringneck
Pheasants to be sold in open market all the year around, the same as fowl. Our epicurians
want game meat for their tables; the markets do not offer anything in this line. Guineas
are offered in restaurants for grouse. These latter birds bring five dollars a pair, shot, in
markets, weighing less than a pound and a half each. Shot quail bring ten dollars per
dozen, weighing not more than six pounds to a dozen.
ENGLISH PHEASANT REARING AT THE ILLINOIS GAME FARM
To Keep Pheasants from Straying
To Trap Pheasants
Preventing pheasants from straying from preserves, the use of raisins scattered in their
coverts, is particularly advantageous, as they are exceedingly fond of them. So alluring
are raisins to pheasants, that they are oftentimes captured by poachers, by means of a fish
hook, baited with a raisin and suspended about the height of a running bird from the ground.
Crows the Worst Enemies of Birds
Rooks and crows are the most destructive birds to pheasants. They will suck the «ggs
and eat the young. A gamekeeper reported last year that he counted in his preserves, over
a hundred empty shells in one day. These rascals should be exterminated and the wholesale
destruction begun at once. They are the most bitter enemies of pheasants. The best time
for their extermination is during breeding, to kill the young and old at the same time.
A Telegram from California in May
"Please price pair of Amhersts, that will nest this season."
Now. dear reader it is a well-known fact in changing domestic fowl to new quarters,
stops their laying about two weeks. A pair of pheasants sent from New York to California
in May, changing climate and quarters, I am positive will hardly breed that season at all. I
advise to get the birds as early as possible in the season to insure breeding with them as cer-
tainty.
32 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
For Sportsmen Nothing Exceeds Pheasant Shooting
There is no sport in Great Britain to compare with pheasant shooting. This is the gen-
eral opinion of the English sportsman, and as the pheasant has many natural enemies
besides man, it is more preserved and protected than other game.
Pheasants are bred in large numbers in Europe and thousands are shot yearly on the
preserves and many are sold in the open market like poultry, and in my opinion this policy
should be followed in this country.
Many successful gamekeepers do not give water at all, others only in a very small quan-
tities One of my correspondents writes: "I know a keeper who rears a great number of
pheasants each year and he does not give them water until they are seven or eight weeks old,
at which age they begin to eat grain and require water to aid digestion. He claims that
pheasants in their wild state take the dew in the morning, and only in very dry weather
do the old hens take their brood to water. In very dry weather when there is little or no
dew, he sprinkles water twice a day on the grass. However when he waters the hens, he
does not allow the poults to drink. ' ' I endorse the great value of lettuce as food for pheasants
A MORNING PHEASANT SHOOT IN OREGON
Pheasants as Insect Destroyers
The pheasant in its wild state, is a friend to the farmer as its food consists largely of
insects and their larvae, worms, grasshoppers, etc.. as well as the roots of many weeds. As
an insect destroyer they are unsurpassed. They are the inveterate foe of the very vermin
which causes so much loss to the horticulturist and grain grower. They feed on caterpillars
field mice and scores of other pests infesting orchards, cotton, sugar-beet fields etc.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N Y.
33
Ferd. Sudow (the man who uses a gold bit and golden
spurs) on his beautiful Saddler "Jack"
Horseback riding, the noblest and finest exercise on earth.
It is the out-dooi exercise which is most beneficial to man •
kind, strengthening, preserving and lengthening life.
A Wonderful Industry
It is a wonderful industry and full of
pleasure. What is merrier than to see
the beautiful golden pheasant cock
dancing up and down his cage from morn-
ing till night, displaying his fine crest
and tippet, first from one and then the
other side. Sometimes he will drop his
wings and spread his rich golden feathers
all over his back as he turns from side
to side, whistling a song; or he will
spread his tail, which is 28 inches long,
sweeping it gracefully as he walks to and
fro. It is indescribable; the more I see of
pheasants the more I admire them. They
are a great attraction and ornament, ex-
tremely neat and fastidious in their hab-
its, graceful and happy looking. I had
the pleasure of hearing Patti sing: "Home,
Sweet Home;" Olga Nethersole in "Carmen." I have seen a great many sights all over
the world, none affording me such pleasure as to look at the never-tiring beautiful pheasants,
the most beautiful birds in the world and which become more beautiful every year.
According to Tegetmeier's col-
lection there are 24 distinct va-
rieties of pheasants in this world.
Some varieties will cross with each
other and again produce very
handsome specimens, especially
the cross of the golden and am-
herst pheasant. I have been look-
ing for points in breeding pheas-
ants the past 12 years and have
visited many places where pheas-
ants are raised successfully. Ten
years ago I would have gladly
paid $100 for these instructions,
most of which I had to learn from
my own observations. I think,
dear reader, I have in brief made
every effort to explain the princi-
pal points of the care, protection
and raising of pheasants, and it will answer for chickens also. If I filled another fifty pages
with so much classic and comic operatic poultry talk I conscientiously believe I could not
give any more beneficial knowledge.
If you follow these directions I am convinced you will be successful raising pheasants,
but if you think any old thing good enough to raise these birds, you will soon give up in dis-
gust. Natural color plates of all varieties of pheasants almost life-size can be bought for
30 cents each.
Let us all join the regular army for Parcels Post, for better, quicker and cheaper transpor-
tation service.
Advocate Parcels Post and help regulate Congress in this much-needed movement.
34
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
The State of Illinois has the distinction of possessing the most progressive Game Com-
mission. It receives an annual revenue of over $100,000 from gun license and this money
is being appropriated for the propagation ,and stocking of game birds. In the neighborhood
of 25,000 young pheasants were raised last year on the Illinois State Game Farm and planted
all over the State. The Game Commission states that pheasants have proved a great success
and the birds are given every protection. Private preserves are also inaugurated in various
sections to promote the propagation of pheasants.
How to Attract Birds
Much may be done with very little trouble to induce species of wild birds to come about
the house. A short observation is sufficient to demonstrate the facts relative to what
birds really require if they are to stay about you.
The conditions plainly necessary are: First, food; second, reasonable security from
enemies; third, suitable nesting places. Much food may be provided about a farm by sim-
ply letting Nature have her own way to a certain degree. Do not cut down all wild cherry
trees; leave a few for the birds. Let some blackberries grow here and there. Plant a few
sunflowers in the corner of the garden or along the edge of the field. They will take up little
space and yield abundant food for the chickadee, goldfinch, titmouse, nuthatch, cardinal
and others. In winter a little beef or sheep fat tied to a tree will be deeply appreciated by
the downy woodpecker and titmouse. A little broken refuse grain and chaff in winter
will likewise furnish comfort to the snowbirds and various native birds, if it is thrown out
where they can get it.
Birds do not care to remain long about a house if there is grave danger from enemies.
The most terrible of all destructive agencies to the average farmland bird is the domestic cat.
This creature pounces with great frequency on the birds when they are feeding or hopping
along the ground ; it catches innumerable young shortly after they have left the nest and are
as yet unable to fly; it eats the little ones in the nest or catches the old one as she broods at
night.
Japanese Silkies, excellent foster mothers for
Pheasants and Mandarin Ducks. Extremely
tame and genteel, very pretty and fine
winter layers; do not scratch.
This is the author's picture at the Station, Copiague
N. Y., where he had his first Pheasantry and
from which station he made a great many
shipments of Pheasants.
ENGLISH PHEASANT— Plumage similar to Ringnecks
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
35
The group of Chinese and English Ringnecks, Silver, Reeves, Goldens and some other
varieties of pheasants from the pheasantries of W. F. Kendrick, of Denver, photographed
while roosting at night on big cakes of ice during the month of January, is a decided novelty.
The preparation for flashlight disturbed them somewhat and a few slipped off, but they sleep
night after night on the ice or snow, or on heaps of brush in preference to what human beings
would consider more comfortable quarters of perches under shed enclosures, showing that
the birds are hardy and can live and enjoy life in the midst of snow and cold, as readily as
in the warmer climes.
36
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
17 This flashlight was made for Mr. Kendrick to illustrate practically and convincingly by
ocular demonstration the hardiness of the different varieties of pheasants on constant exhi-
bition at Denver's City Park, forming one of the largest and most gorgeous collection of pheas-
ants in a public park in the world.
Pheasants are very active and on the move all day long, therefore I advise loosening the
soil in the yards occasionally to prevent their feet from becoming sore and calloused.
Australian Crowned Pigeons
The members of this family are the largest ex-
isting pigeons; their size is about the same as the
pearl Guinea fowl and are characterized by the
erect fan-shaped crest, which adorns the head and
have .the metatarus covered all over with six-sided
scales; the general color of the plumage is light
bluish slate. They are very tame and a great
ornament in any aviary. They will breed in
captivity same as common pigeons, the hen lay-
ing two eggs — but only once a year — they are ex-
tremely rare birds.
AUSTRALIAN CROWNED PIGEON
When you build a poultry house be sure and
tack wire in front and back 01 windows to prevent
the birds from breaking the panels of glass and in-
juring themselves. Hay or straw or^other (mate-
rial in the scratching pen should be changed every
month. Chickens and pheasant coops should be
filled with fine soft sand at least six inches above
the outside ground in the winter time, giving the
birds a chance to dust themselves.
SCOTCH GROUSE SCALED PARTRIDGE
All these birds can be raised in captivity same as pheasants
City Man: — "When a hen is broody, is she sitting or setting?"
Hiram Agin: — "I don't care a goll-durn whether she's sittin' or settin', but when she
cackles I'd like to know if she's layin' or lyin'."
By Ferd. J. Sitdow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y 37
Notes From Another Pheasant Fancier
Gorgeous plumage of many hues to delight the eye, high prices to fatten the purse,
choice dainties for the table. These are three of the concomitants of pheasant farming.
Few persons in the United States have discovered or taken advantage of the opportuni-
ties for enjoyment and profit afforded by breeding the little multi-colored game bird that
originated in the wooded dells of China. Nevertheless, there are more dollars to be acquired
from a pheasant farm than from probably 99 percent of the so-called gold mines. There is
more money in pheasants than in chickens and that at the expenditure of far less labor and care.
A MORNING PARADE OF SETTING HENS OUT FOR AN AIRING.
Chickens sell for 25 to 50 cents apiece, pheasants for $5 to $25 a pair. Is not that suffi-
cient to attract the hustling, progressive American to a new industry? If more be needed,
let him consider how beautiful is the pheasant, how the epicure rakes the markets with a
fine tooth comb till he finds its toothsome flesh, how the sportsman thrills with pleasure as he
harries woodland or meadow, gun in hand, for a shot at this most timid creature.
Long the game bird of England, where it is hunted and bagged as the choicest sport of
royalty, the pheasant is destined to take the place of the prairie chicken, the quail and the
partridge all of which are fast becoming extinct in the game preserves of America. How
soon ? That is a question any man, woman, boy or girl may help answer. And in working
out the problem everyone who participates intelligently may enjoy both pleasure and profit
from the successive steps of the solution.
Broadly speaking, there are two classes of pheasants, one suited for the aviary and known
as "fancy" breeds, and the other adapted to wild life on the game preserve. Of the latter,
the English and Chinese ringnecked are perhaps the only varieties worthy of consideration
by Americans. Of the former there are numerous kinds and the rarer the variety, other
things being equal, the greater the profit in raising them. For such birds there is a practical-
ly unlimited market, commissioners of public parks in cities and the aviaries of the wealthy,
who maintain summer homes and fancy farms, being constantly in need of handsome show
or breeding birds.
Never catch a pheasant by one leg as you would a chicken. Their legs are easily brok-
en. The best way is to have a crotched stick, similar to the boys' slingshot prongs, only
larger. Stretch string netting between the forks and lower this on the bird pressing it firmly
to the ground. Then catch it with a hand on each side pressing the wings
38
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Aside from the sale of the pheasants themselves, either as show birds, as breeders for
aviaries and game preserves, or for consumption on the table, a big profit may be realized
from the eggs and feathers. In this connection there is food for the thought of those human-
itarians who are interested in the preservation of the pretty, wild birds that sing in or orna-
ment the gloves and forests of the United States. Women's hats must be decorated, and to
supply this adornment the songster will be sacrificed until a satisfactory substitute for] his
plumage is placed in the hands of the milliners. The pheasant is just the bird to furnish this
AUTOMOBILING AND RECREATION WITH THE BIRDS— A happy pastime and a fine physician
substitute, and has furnished it for some time in limited quantities- with greater propagation
of the pheasant the songster may be saved from the despoiler.
For example, take the English ringnecked pheasant. The plumage of the cock is sur-
passingly beautiful. Its colors are rich and changeable. The brilliant colors of the breast
shade from a deep red to violet, green and bronze. A single breast will make a band several
inches wide and two feet long. What could be more ornate than such a breast daintily set
on a woman's hat ?
The head of the English ringneck is green, blue and violet, with a white ring around the
neck. On each side of the head are bright red wattles which the bird expands when excited
and then they look like beautiful fans. All these feathers, together with the tippet, breast
saddle and centre tail feathers, have a commercial value. The milliners eagerly snap them
up, and what the milliners don't want the manufacturer of fishing flies grab at, for they are
especially valuable in putting the finishing touches on fishing tackle.
Pheasants the Friend of the Farmer
Upwards of 1,200 wire worms have been taken from the crop of one pheasant, to show how
much they consume. The total insects destroyed must be incredible. From the crop of
one pheasant 450 grubs of the crane fl> or daddy-long-legs were taken. Those long- leg in-
sects being very destructive to roots of grass, grains, vegetables, etc.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
39
.F. Sudow displaying his magnificent
tame Golden Pheasant Cock in
the open Garden
The male of the golden variety of pheasants and of
the Chinese ringneck is even more beautiful than the
English ringneck, which is a cross between the Chinese
and tne English pheasant. The Lady Amherst is con-
sidered by many the handsomest of all the pheasant
family. His crest is black, with a few red feathers;
his face is a pale green; his tippet white, edged with
green and barred with black ; his back orange red. The
two centre feathers of his tail are very long, of gray
color and barred with black.
Could anything be more picturesque than a green
lawn dotted with such birds ? Their rich coats blazing
as they stand in the open, reflecting the sunlight, or as
they dart hither and thither among the shrubbery, make
a pa norama of the landscape and add a domesticity to the scene that is otherwise unobtainable.
That is one reason why they are so much in demand by the owners of "country estates" and
summer homes. Always clean, dainty to a degree, graceful in shape and movement, timid, but
tame when they learn their grounds and masters, not noisy, they fill a place no other fowl can fill.
The hens, though handsome, do not wear the splendid colors that distinguish the justly
famous cocks. The hen of the golden pheasant, for instance, is of a rich brown color penciled
with black. Her breast has a slightly yellow color and her legs are bright yellow. Appar-
ently her pride is centered in her lord and master, and he is ever displaying his wonderful
wardrobe for her inspection. Except in the molting period, the cock is always a lively wooer.
He dances about from morning till night. He displays his tippet first on one side, then on
the other. He stands on his perch, drops his wings, and spreads the gold feathers on his
back, revealing steel-blue wing coverts, green shoulders and dazzling red breast. Then he
whistles a clear, sweet song, or spreads out his gorgeous tail with a graceful sweep, a wonder-
ful tail twenty-five of twenty-seven inches long, of brown color interspersed with black spots.
Millions of Chickens are Killed Every Year by Rats
Statistics say, rats are damaging this country about $30,000,000 a year. Every
farmer suffers from rats. Half of his chicken crops are killed by rats. The below trap is
constructed of the following: build a box 4 by 6 feet and line the inside walls with tin and
the floor with ^-inch poultry wire. Leave an opening on one side about 3^ inches square,
To this opening build a tube or tunnel (a passway, funnel shape) two feet long, the opening on
the end of this tube to be large enough to admit a rat. This tube to be made of wood and to
be easily removed at intervals. Now place food in this trap for a week or so in order to coax
the rat and get her accustomed to the place after which attach the tube. The rat will enter
the trap through this tube. As many as 40 rats have been caught in this trap in one night.
To be sure tack tin on the outside of the tube, also at the end of the tube around the mouth,
giving the rat no chance to crawl back into the
tube. Set the tube in an angle so it will be about
two ft. from the floor at the end. An excellent idea
is to have decoy rat in the trap. This trap will
answer to place poison for rats and for other ani-
mals of pry also. To poison rats use strychnine.
Dissolve a half ounce of strychnine in a pint of
water, add a pint of thick sugar or syrup and stir
thoroughly. In preparing the bait it is necessary
to moisten the food with the syrup. Whole grain
should be soaked over night in this syrup. The
best bait for rats is food of a kind which the rat A PRACTICAL RAT TRAP
does not get on your premises. In constructing rat-proof wooden floors drive a lot of spikes
through the floor to project the other side.
40
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Of all the family the Argus and the Reeves pheasants are the largest. The male of the
Reeves variety is prized above all others for bis length of tail, the feathers often measuring
fifty-six inches; the edges of the feathers are chestnut brown, the centre pale gray with semi-
circular bars of black. The bird expands his tail into a gigantic fan whenever excited. The
hen of the Reeves variety wears a coat of rich brown of several shades. The cock has a white
head, in every feather of which there is a black dot. Below the crown there is a jet black
band. The neck is white, the breast jet black. The back feathers are of gold, edged with
black, and the wing coverts are black and gold. The eyes are red, with a white streak under-
neath each.
Pheasant raising either for pleasure or for the money there is in it is an industry especial-
ly suited to women and professional men who want recreation without idleness. The pheas-
ant is a hardy bird. It thrives in the coldest climate. It requires comparatively little care.
Dryness of quarters, however, is an essential to the greatest success This fastidious denizen
FEEDER AND MANGER FOR BIRDS
of the aviary cannot stand dampness underfoot. He has no fear of frost, but often roosts
outdoors when it is 10 to 20 degrees below zero without showing any ill effects of exposure.
He sits on a perch through a night of sleet and snowstorm and holds his own though frost
and snow gather an inch thick on his back while he is outdoors, but he must not be compelled
to strut inside on water-soaked earth or damp floor.
Requiring very little or much space, according to the condition of the keeper, pheasants
can be raised in cramped backyards of cities, in the more spacious lots about residences in
small towns or on the broad acres of the farmer. From a very small beginning large results
grow. One woman in Chicago who raises pheasants as a means to occupy her spare time,
realizes $200 to $300 a year from a single trio of golden pheasants, and she says this is 'only
an average obtained from her large pheasantry. The same woman sold thirty-six eggs" and
set twenty as the product of one trio of birds in a single season. Nineteen of the twenty
hatched and she raised to maturity seventeen of the chicks. She sold thirteen of the seventeen
for $76. More than that, she didn't have to hunt for customers; they hunted for her.
An Aid for Indigestion
The best exercise for stimulating a torpid liver is to sit astride a chair facing the back,
holding the chair firmly in order not to move in the seat. Now twist the body one way'around
and then the other as far as possible. It gives a stretch on all cords and muscles in that
region which is very beneficial to the liver. This exercise to be taken at least five minutes,
night and morning. Try it and you will feel better.
By Ferd. J. Sudaw, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 41
Another large pheasant farmer we find in Illinois. He began raising pheasants when
he was nine. He started with three birds that he was forced to keep in an aviary twelve feet
square in the backyard of his family home. *'* Within ten years this boy has built up the larg-
est single pheasantry in the world. In the breeding
season he has from 4,000 to 5,000 birds on his great
preserve, situated within twelve miles of the very heart
of Chicago. His father raised pheasants in Wales;
thus the boy had a natural instructor when he took up
the industry at the age of nine. This young man
studied and talked pheasants, attended his flocks and
from his insignificant start "has become independent,
with thousands of dollars now invested in his farm.
The person who wishes to raise pheasants should
select, if possible, a lot that slopes to the south, though
HYBRID GAME BIRD OF ENGLISH this is not a necessity. Build a shed of matched boards
PHEASANT AND PARTRIDGE on the northern end of the lot, the shed facing south.
The front may be partly boarded up or left open. The
roof should slope from the front to the back and must be rain-proof. In front of the shed
construct an outdoor runway as large as convenient, say twelve by fifteen feet, of wire net-
ting. This netting should be of one-inch or less, but not under three-quarters of an inch. The
netting around the inclosure should be sunk into the ground about ten or twelve inches, to pre-
vent rats or other enemies of the birds from burrowing in and killing the fowls. Over the top of
the runway there should be wire netting, so as to make sure of the confinement of the pheasants
Cedar trees or grapevines may be planted on the west exposure of the runway to break
the heat of the sun in summer and the strong winds of winter. Shrubbery and grass may be
grown inside the runway, affording coverts for the pheasants to hide under and green food
for them to pick. Inside the shed there should be fine sand, perhaps six inches deep, but no
board floor. Pheasants like dust baths and the sand keeps them in excellent plumage and
healthy. It also enables them to free themselves from vermin, if any chance to attach them-
selves to the fowls.
Having decided to raise pheasants and construct the shed and runway, the prospective
farmer must settle the question whether to breed birds for the "fancy" market or as stockers
for game preserves and country estates. Then he must procure the kind of pheasant most
suitable for his purpose.
The English ringneck and the Chinese ringneck are the only pheasants suitable for liber-
ation in game preserves in this country. The Chinese variety is known under several names,
such as Mongolian, and "Denny." the last name applied only in the United States for reasons
that will appear later. The Japanese, the Reeves and the Bohemian pheasants are well
adapted for the covert, but the others mentioned have proved the greatest success.
Recipes for Something Good to Eat Besides Pheasants
Most delicious Almond Pie. (It tastes different from all others. Once relished it will
never leave your memory.)
% lb. flour; % lb. sugar, % Ib. butter; a little baking powder; yolks of 4 eggs; 4
tablespoonfuls of milk. Prepare to a dough.
FILLING
1 lb. fine mashed Almonds; 1 lb. powdered sugar; whites of 5 eggs beaten; juice of ^
lemon or 1 tablespoonful of brandy or arrac. (To mash almonds, use meat chopper.)
Bake about 1J^ hours in slow oven.
A DELICIOUS ALMOND CAKE
1 lb. butter; 1 lb. powdered sugar; % lb almonds, ground fine; 4 eggs; 1 lemon;
1 lb. flour; 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder. Bake from 1^ to 2 hours.
42 Paints on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Of the varieties suitable only for the aviary the best to raise are the Golden, Silver,
Lady Amherst, Swinhoe and the Argus. The last named is a vision of beauty when his
feathers are spread, but is rarer than the others. The Swinhoe is distinguished from all
others by the fact that the hen is almost as gorgeous in raiment as the cock To make a
start, either eggs or pheasants themselves may be procured. If eggs are obtained, they may
be hatched under an ordinary farmyard hen, or, better yet, a bantam hen, which is the
best of mothers. The eggs hatch in from twenty-two to twenty-five days, according to the
variety whence they come. The chicks have a tendency to escape through tiny holes for
two or three days, until they learn the call of the mother hen, and in consequence the nests
wherein they are hatched should be carefully inclosed in a dark coop.
After the third day the chicks will respond to the mother'^ call and want food.
On the question of the best food for the chicks the breeders differ. This need not bother
the beginner, however. If he gives them boiled custard, made dry and crumbly, he will
experience no trouble. If in addition he can give finely chopped lettuce or onion, his chicks will
thrive the better. Some maintain that the chicks cannot be raised without some kind of
SILVER AND GOLDEN PHEASANTS KEPT IN THE SAME RUN WITH SQUAB BREEDERS
animal food, such as maggots or some kind of meat mixture, but such persons are usually in-
terested one way or another in the exploitation of some proprietary food. As the chicks
grow, meal and grain may be substituted for soft food. The young ones may be taken from
the mother when six weeks old and put into a shed and runway of their own. At the age of
four weeks the young birds will begin to fly, and as they are very wild it is best to clip one or
both wings. As they grow to maturity they become tame and the "fancy" varieties may be
set free on lawns.
At night the pheasants should be driven into the aviary. In this the roosts should be of
2x4 scantling hung about two feet from the ground, If the game varieties are raised,
they should not be released from the wire inclosure until ready to liberate on the estate where
they are expected to propagate in the -wild state, for they are wild and would vanish if let
loose before their allotted time.
During the laying season some care must be exercised to prevent the loss of the eggs.
The pheasant makes a primitive nest at best, and often no nest at all. From her perch
on a roost the hen often drops the eggs on the ground. The breeding season for pheasants
is usually from April to August.
MANCHURIAN PHEASANT
CHINESE PHEASANT
REEVES PHEASANT
ELLIOTT PHEASANT
By^Ferd. J . Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
45
Some pheasants mate in pairs, others are polygamous. English, Chinese Japanese and
Bohemian species should be mated one cock to four hens; Silver and Swinhoe, one cock to
one hen; Elliott and Reeves, one cock to two*"hens, and Golden and Lady Amherst, one cock
to two hens. The beginner will have to pay $7.00 a pair for English pheasants, the standard
price. Reeves and Lady Amherst varieties cost $25 to $30 a pair, and Goldens and Silvers
from $10 to $20 a pair. The rarer kinds cost a great deal more, running as high as $600 a
piece.
To show the possibilities of pheasant breeding, it is interesting to look at the work done
in Oregon. About twenty-five years ago Judge Denny imported eighteen Chinese ringnecks
from China, and liberated them in the valley of the Willamette. State laws were enacted
to protect them from the hunter. The flock multiplied with great rapidity. In recognition
of his work of establishing in the wild woods such prolific game the Legislature of Oregon
gave the birds the name Denny pheasants. Thousands are shot by sportsmen every year,
but more of them remain in the woods and meadows of Oregon than of any other game bird
that inhabits the State. Fifty thousand of the birds were killed in a single day in the last
hunting season, yet it is said there are now more of this kind of pheasants in the State of
Oregon than are to be found in all China, their native country.
About the only pheasantries in existence in the
United States are in New York, New Jersey, Massa-
chusetts, Illinois, Colorado and Oregon. On one game
preserve in New Jersey, 10,000 to 20,000 pheasants are
raised in a season. On one estate in Massachusetts 1,000
chicks and 1,500 eggs are obtained annually.
In order to protect our game and in particular the
propagation of pheasants, it is high time that a law
licensing gunners should be established and strongly en-
forced. In a great measure it would do away with all
the nuisance of careless boys running at large with loaded
guns, and killing most everything that comes before their
guns, and endangering the lives of our good citizens. A
score of them are killed every season through the care-
lessness of gunners.
The State of Illinois has already instituted this game
law, and charges $2 gun license per person, and is enforc-
ing this law very vigorously through the appointments
of many game wardens, and no doubt other states will
soon follow that statute.
Game for shooting in this country is almost exter-
minated and we have only pheasants to fall back on;
therefore, pheasants are in great demand now. About
SAND HILL CRANES 250,000 pheasants are imported from Europe yearly
(Can be raised in captivity) and bought up in great quantities by our rich sportsmen
to stock their preserves; also imported dead for table
use. Pheasant meat is considered the finest delicacy for the table.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 47
Breeding Pheasants in America
The Kendrick Pheasantries, City Park, Denver, the largest Pheasantries on the American Continent
Thousands Reared in Colorado. Hardy Game Birds for the United States and Canada.
Pleasant and Profitable Occupation for Men or Women. How to Feed and Care for Them.
Written by J. ALDEN LORING
(A widely known naturalist who accompanied ex- President Roosevelt on his trip to Africa)
By permission of W. P. Kendrick
In America the rearing of Asiatic pheasants is practically unknown when compared to
the extensive manner it has for centuries been carried on in the old country. Until the last
decade our native game has supplied America's wants, but cheap firearms and repeating and
automatic guns have so increased the number of hunters and decreased the amount of game,
that the prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and bob-white are practically ex-
tinct, when their abundance in former years is taken into consideration.
Strange to say, most of the sportsmen and the gun clubs that have taken a serious interest
in the welfare of our fauna, instead of trying to solve the problem of successfully propagating
the native game birds, have spent most of their money in introducing and liberating foreign
game birds.
The greatest success so far attained in this line, has been in Washington and Oregon,
where eighteen Chinese pheasants were liberated about 1882, and at the present writing they
are very abundant ; although large numbers of them are annually killed by hunters.
The so-called English ringneck pheasant was introduced into the Genesee valley of
New York several years ago and under present protection they are multiplying and spreading
Rearing fields of The Kendrick Pheasantries, showing the brooder coops in a one hundred and sixty acre field
of alfalfa and orchard grass mixed. These brooder coops are set 30 or 40 feet apart, but it is
not necessary to have them so far
rapidly. Many owners of private game preserves have successfully stocked their lands with
pheasants.
This sudden demand for game birds for restocking purposes has caused many pheasan-
tries to be established throughout the country. The largest of these is the Kendrick
Pheasantry at Denver, Colorado. Its owner, Mr. W. F. Kendrick, is one of those liberal
48
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
hearted citizens, who some ten years ago began raising pheasants for his own pleasure and
the benefit of the general public and the good they will do the adopted state in which he re-
gained his health.
Aside from maintaining a number of well filled aviaries for exhibition purposes at City
Park Zoo, Mr. Kendrick has liberated large numbers of pheasants. Last year alone he set
15,000 eggs and freed about 6,000 birds and this year he expects to set between 20,000 and
30,000 eggs, and will liberate probably two-thirds of his summer's hatch.
If proof were really needed, Mr. Kendrick' s willingness to reveal the many secrets of
raising pheasants that have cost him years of experience and thousands of dollars, is convinc-
ing that he is sincere in his desire to become a public benefactor.
"When I first started my
pheasantry I knew no more
about it than a practical ex-
perience in rearing chickens had
taught me," said Mr. Kendrick.
"All the literature I could gather
on the subject, told how delicate
the little pheasants were and
what close attention and ex-
treme care in feeding they re
quired. Wishing to begin right,
I imported an English game-
keeper, who was supposed to
have had wide experience in
the work. He was full of all
kinds of nonsensical ideas — for
example, one was that if the
pheasant chicks were fed the
same kind of food on a warm
day that they were given on a
cold day, they would die. The
result is that we have come to the conclusion that many of the pheasantries mollycoddle
their birds too much, and that raising pheasants is not much harder than raising chickens
and not near as difficult as rearing turkeys.
"The birds upon which we rely for our summer's hatch are kept during the winter in
City Park. Thousands of them cocks, hens and young birds of the season before, are group-
ed in the large aviaries. The species which we make a specialty of raising is the pure Chinese
ringneck pheasant, but all of the species that we have, the Chinese, Lady Amherst, Reeves,
golden, silver, versicolor and others are polygamists.
"When the naked skin about the head of the cock bird begins to assume its brilliant hues,
about the first of March in this locality, it is a sign of the approaching breeding season.
Then we begin to group the species, placing one male and three females of the silver golden
and Reeves in an inclosure, and four females and one male each of the other species together.
"Pheasants are very prolific. A hen ringneck will lay about sixty eggs in a season, a
Lady Amherst and a golden will average twenty-four and a Reeves and a silver pheasant,
between thirty and forty eggs. The eggs are all about the same shape, but they can usually
be distinguished by their size and color, which varies from white to dark blue.
"The laying season out here begins about the last of March and from then until the mid-
dle of August the keepers are busy gathering the eggs that are found scattered over the
ground in the different inclosures. for in close confinement pheasants rarely build and lay
their eggs in a nest. As fast as a supply is gathered, we rush them off to our country hatching
and brooding grounds.
SILVER PHEASANT COCK IN FULL PLUMAGE
By Ferd. J . Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
49
"During the first of the season the eggs are collected twice a day but as the weather be-
comes warmer the rounds are made three and four times, for the sun is apt to start incubation
and the cool nights might chill the life germ* and weaken or kill it. Then, there is danger of
the pheasants pecking holes in the shell and eating the eggs, as they are sometimes wont to do.
"When liberated pheasants will nest and rear their young, but in the comparatively small
inclosures that we give them, there is no use trying to get them to breed. We decided on
that long ago. Even when they succeed in hatching out a brood, the old bird cannot supply
the young ones with the needed insect food, and we are unable to handle and feed them as we
do chicks that are under the tutorship of a hen. Then we tried incubators and while we suc-
ceeded in hatching the eggs, the chicks soon sickened and many died of diarrhoea.
"After these and other experiments, we have found that the common mongrel or barn-
yard hen is the best means of hatching the eggs, and makes the best foster mother to brood
the little chicks until they can take care of themselves. Bantam hens are also good, but
they cannot cover a large setting of eggs. This season I have employed an expert incubator
man to try artificial hatching and rearing. I expend thousands of dollars experimenting
for the benefit of the public. It requires about a dozen gamekeepers and assistants during
the rearing season.
"Last year we had 1,000 hens working for us, each one covering from fourteen to eighteen
eggs. Sentenced to solitary confinement for twenty-three days with leave of absence just
long enough to fill one's stomach, may not be as tiresome as manual labor, still it must get
A BUNCH OF FRIGHTENED PHEASANTS
This Photograph shows a flock of frightened Chinese pheasants rising for flight in a field of The Kendrick
Pheasantries
awfully monotonous, before the time expires. We are glad that there is no such association
as the 'Western Federation of Feathered Incubators,' or the 'Foster Mothers' Protective
Union,' for I fear its scratching delegates would order a strike at once when they discovered
the tricks we practice on their members.
"We have adopted the plan of not letting the hens hatch the eggs, but as soon as the
little chicks peck through the shell, we hustle the whole setting into an incubator and let
the pheasant chicks stay there until they have come out and are dry and strong enough to
run about. This lessens the danger of their being trampled by the hens while they are weak
and helpless. In the meantime her henship is presented with a beautiful set of China eggs
to keep her occupied until we can smuggle the chicks back to her.
"As far as possible we follow nature. For instance the nesting and brooding coops are
all located in the meadows and the nests are placed on the ground, where the eggs get the
moisture they require. The nesting material is some fine substance in which the chicks
cannot tangle their feet or get strangled fine hay or fine straw is best.
50 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
"The ringnecks' eggs are nearly all fertile and we often get a perfect setting, that is,
every egg hatches. During the first of the season we use fourteen or fifteen eggs to a setting,
but when it gets warm, from sixteen to eighteen eggs are placed under a hen. Last year the
eggs accumulated so rapidly that we did not have hens enough to handle them, so we placed
them in the incubator for a few days and gave them to the hens as fast as we found birds
under which to place them.
"It takes from twenty- three to twenty-four days to hatch ringneck pheasant eggs, and
about twenty-one days for golden and Lady Amherst eggs.
"The coops are placed about twenty feet apart and as you look over the breeding grounds
it reminds you of a miniature white city. Some of the coops are surrounded by a pen twelve
inches high, in which the chicks are kept prisoners for the first four days. This is necessary
because experience has taught us that young pheasants, like young partridges, will run away
and become lost if given their liberty as soon as hatched. They do not seem to understand
the language of their foster mother, but after the lapse of three or four days they learn her
call-notes and obey, returning to her for food and to be brooded at night. We do not, as a
rule, liberate the hens with their broods.
"During the first twenty- four hours we do not feed the chicks, they do not require it, as
the nourishment obtained from the yolk of the egg is sufficient. For the first four days they
are fed plain table custard mixed with chick food. Then, we gradually break them in on a
more substantial diet; eggs that have been dropped into boiling water and allowed to cool
in it, then crushed through a piece of common wire mosquito netting and mixed with Sprat's
Pheasant Food, bread crumbs, corn meal and crumbled cornbread. After a week of such
feeding we change again, this time gradually diminishing the amount of boiled egg and adding
raw food, such as fine corn meal, crushed grains, and finally the best of raw Hamburg steak.
We keep them on this food until they are old and strong enough to be given the regular food
fed to the adult birds; buckwheat, wheat, cracked corn, kaffir corn, raw pumpkin, squash,
sugar beets, mangel wurzel, cabbage, lettuce, dandelion tops and boiled potatoes and turnips.
The young pheasants are very fond of dandelion leaves and roots and people bring bag after
bag of them to the park for us, as they dig them from their lawns.
"For the first three months we feed the young birds considerable chopped meat so as
to induce a rapid and hardy growth, if sour milk is plentiful we make cottage cheese for them.
"Aside from the fact that when being reared they should be kept on a grassy meadow
or flat, the care of pheasants should be quite like that given to chickens. Last year we ex-
perimented with a few of our birds and were so well pleased with the result that we shall
adopt it on a much larger scale this senson, and if we are as successful as before, the rearing
of pheasants will be no more difficult than rearing chickens.
"We have tried feeding the chicks on maggots as they do in Europe, but so many of
them died of ptomaine poison that we found it an utter failure in this section of the country.
"When we have old birds confined that we have decided to use for restocking the covers,
we liberate them at a time when grasshoppers and insects are abundant. But we pay little
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
51
attention to the young birds used for that purpose, for after they pass the stage where they
require artificial food they naturally leave their foster mother and seek their freedom.
"One of the greatest dangers to the successful rearing of pheasants is from lice. We
begin to fight these pests from the time that the sitting hens are brought to the grounds until
the pheasants are able to care for themselves, after which they spend much of the time rolling
in the dust and sand which is Nature's method of keeping off these insect pests.
"The coops and chicken houses are thickly coated with whitewash and they are frequent-
ly sprinkled with other insect-preventive washes. In a season we use barrels of different
washes.
"As soon as the broody or sitting hens are bought, they are thoroughly dusted with in-
sect powder and their feet and legs are dipped in kerosene oil. The hens are placed on trial
nests and given a setting of China eggs. A few days later the hen is transferred to the regular
sitting boxes, nesting material that was in the trial box is burned and the coop fumigated.
Then the 'old lady receives her set of pheasant eggs and is disturbed as little as possible until
the eggs hatch. This method eliminates the possibility of insects infecting the chicks. One
should never put a hen on pheasant's eggs immediately after her legs have been oiled, for
the oil will kill the life germ.
"Body lice are not very harmful, the head lice are the ones we dread and fight most.
When the young pheasants are taken from the incubator and before they are placed in the
brooding coop with their foster mother, their heads and the bare spots beneath their wings
and about their thighs are well greased with vaseline and a very weak solution of carbolic
acid. This operation is repeated about every week until they become difficult to catch.
"Students of Natural History enjoy visiting the brooding grounds during the height of
the season, from June to August, when hours at a time can be spent watching the little birds
from a distance, as it is risky to allow strangers to enter — except by special invitation — the
brooding grounds as they might unintentionally trample on the young birds, which, when
they are frightened run and hide in the grass
instead of going to the mother as an ordinary
young chicken does. Even the gamekeepers
have to exercise great caution in this respect
and walk as much as possible in the well-
beaten paths leading from one brooding coop
to another in the rearing fields. These coops
are moved on alternate days about the length
of one on to new grass on account of cleanli-
ness.
"You see the natural instinct of all game
birds of this family to hide at the sight of dan-
ger, causes the young pheasants to take shelter
in the grass as soon as they get scared. But
the crafty little chicks are much brighter than
would be supposed, for they soon learn the
uniform of the keepers and will come for their
food quite like little chickens, but the instant
Even when I visit the grounds I have to re-
in the
If you want to be as prosperous and
fat as this farmer, breed pheasants
that a stranger appears they scud for shelter.
main motionless for some time before they gain confidence and come out of hiding.
meantime little heads appear here, there and everywhere, and finally they leave their hiding
places,
"Thousands of pheasants ranging in age from a few days, to birds almost ready to fly,
swarm in the grass. They do not play as do young animals for young birds seldom frolic,
but as you look over the meadow you see the grass waving here and there where the multi-
tude is busily engaged catching grasshoppers and insects.
52
Points cm Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc
WILD MALLARD DUCKS
"People from^Denver and picnic parties from adjoining villages, come to my country
pheasantry and visit my exhibition aviaries in City Park, where I rear just enough young
birds, in plain view from the walks and drives, to give all interested an idea of what the in-
dustry is like.
"It would be interesting
to know just how many in-
sects a pair of these birds
will eat in a year. Nearly
1,200 wire worms have been
taken from the crop of a
single pheasant, and for
another bird 440 grubs of the
grand-daddy-long-legs, con-
stituted a single meal. That
they are great destroyers of
the seeds of noxious weeds
is well known.
"It would not be sup-
posed that a bird like a
pheasant would kill those
destructive little field mice,
or meadow mice, as they are called. But they do, and it would surprise one to see
how quickly they do it. Pheasants are perhaps the swiftest birds afoot of all the small
Gallinaceous game, and they can pick up a mouse before the race has fairly begun. Then
they thrash it upon the ground and keep pecking it until it is dead, after which they eat every
vestige of the body but the skin and skull. Young mice they swallow whole and cases are
on record where they have been choked to death by the rodents.
"Pheasants do not scratch like chickens, their bill takes the place of their feet. They will
even peck a hole through any moderate thickness of ice for water, and in the same manner
they dig out buttercup bulbs and insect larvae. They do not roost on the ground until the
foliage leaves the trees, but spend the night high up among the branches where they are not
subject to the attacks of the predatory animals. Their most dreaded enemy is the western
horned owl.
"With the ringneck pheasant the bright plumage of the males begins to appear about
the fourth month, and in eight months they are gorgeously plumed. The golden, silver and
Lady Amherst pheasants do not get full plumed until the second year. The difference be-
tween the sexes is first noticed when the birds are about two months old — then the tail of the
male is the longer. Even when adult, it is hard to distinguish the different species of hen
pheasants, and only an expert can identify them. There is practically marked difference
between the female ringneck and the versicolor birds.
"No, we don't confine our experiments to pheasants only. We consider it a great
favor when sportsmen send us a setting of eggs of some other game bird. In fact, at the pres-
ent time we have mixed in with our pheasants, scale partridges from southwestern United
States, California mountain partridge, valley partridge and the eastern bob- white. We have
had scale partridge and bob-whites build their nest and rear their young in captivity, and we
have incubated and reared large numbers of bob-whites.
"Wild ducks' eggs hatch easily and the ducklings are pretty and interesting creatures.
The species that naturally feed upon wild rice, grain and seeds are easy to rear, but the fish-
eating kind are more difficult We have to clip or pinion their wings or they would migrate
south in the fall with other wild water fowl.
"A friend of mine owned a flock of wild geese that he neglected to pinion, and one day
in the fall he had the pleasure of seeimg then mount high in the air and head for the South
By Ferd J . Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N . V.
53
But as he had expected, they returned in the spring, their identity being established by the
holes made in their webbed feet with a chicken punch.
"Yes, pheasants, particularly the Chinese ringneck, are very hardy birds and in their
native countries some species range up into the extremely high mountains. Those that I
have liberated here are multiplying by the thousand and are doing finely. I believe that they
can easily be acclimatized in any suitable locality in the United States or southern Canada.
It wouM be difficult to find a better cover for them than is to be had in those portions of Al-
berta and Saskatchewan, where clumps and groves of poplar trees abound, affording choice
loitering places. The work, too, is clean and very fascinating, and could be made profitable
for men and women."
The pheasants that have been introduced into this country have taken up their home in
the brushy skirtings of the woods, fields and country roads, where there is also a rank growth
of weeds and grass. They can likewise be found in and near marshes, but unlike our ruffed
grouse, they do not inhabit the heavy timber; their habits resembling those of eastern bob-
white.
A corner of The Kendrick Pheasantries at City Park, Denver
In sections of the country where the pheasants have been protected since their introduc-
tion, they are very tame and lie close, allowing a person to almost step on them before taking
flight. In fact, the writer can recall an instance where a hen, hiding in some reeds, could
easily have been caught in his hands.
During a day's hunt indulged in by a friend and myself near Albany, Oregon, we bagged
twelve birds and must have flushed at least a hundred, two- thirds of which got up far out of
gunshot. I was astonished at the amount of shot a cock bird could carry away. Many
times, judging from the cloud of feathers, we literally filled the bird with lead yet he would
continue his course until out of sight.
The cock old pheasants are armed with long spurs like those of a rooster. They are
aggressive birds, constantly fighting with one another in the spring, during mating time, but
during the balance of the year they are quiet as quail or common birds.
I do not agree with Mr. Kendrick placing the coops only 40 feet apart. The reason I
advise to distance the coops at least 80 to 100 feet apart is in order ior the chicks not to stray
from their original mother and coop, ff the chicks are of different sizes they are in danger
of being killed, if by mistake they get into another hen's coop, because some hens are very
cross to strange chicks and will pick them to death. Again if the chicks are of the same size
they may take a fancy to a certain hen, crowding into one coop at night and not being prop-
erly brooded get chilled which is in many instances fatal to the chicks.
To avoid loosing your good valuable time looking for your tools make it a point to have
only one and the same place for them and a handy one.
54
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Description of Pheasants
GREAT ARGUS PHEASANTS
His display of plumage is a wonderful sight. It has no brilliant colors, the beauty of the
Argus is chiefly in its shading. The cock's two center tail feathers are remarkable, being
over four feet long, very broad and curiously twisted at the end. The plumage is shaded
with ochre, senna and white, and resemble bells lying in a socket, when the feathers are in
vertical position. They are very thin and delicate, so that, seen from behind, they look like
stained glass. The Argus thrives well in confinement, but require protection from the weather.
Characteristic of the male bird is the elevation of his wings The primary feathers up-
wards and seemingly looking at the hen out of the corner of his eye and alternately moving
the large tail feathers outwards and inwards. When full grown, they weigh from seven to
twelve pounds per bird. Breeding'season, May August ; hen lays about twenty eggs in a season.
THE IMPEYAN OR MONAUL PHEASANTS
The Monaul is a heavily formed bird equal to a very large owl in size; the legs are short
and powerful and the tail is like that of a pigeon — flat and slightly rounded at the end. The
color of plumage is burnished green, running into metallic purple and blue.
The Lancelot feather? are bright purple changing into green with a golden glance. The
middle of the back is white, the rest of the plumage being rich blue glancing with green and
purple, highly glossed. They do not come into full plumage till the second year. Their
weight when full grown; is from three to five pounds.
Impeyan are poor breeders, a hen lays about ten eggs in a season.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
55
PEACOCK PHEASANTS
(Polyplectron chinquis)
These birds look very much like our native peafowl, extremely handsome, having
the peacock eye all over the back. In their native state, they breed four times a year.
They weigh from two to three pounds when full grown. The sexes are very similar, hens
lay about twelve eggs in season.
Bohemian pheasants are pure white, size of ringneck pheasant, and excellent breeders :
averaging sixty eggs in season.
TRAGOPAN-PHEASANTS
Tragopan resemble the Guinea fowl, but with much more brilliant and striking plumage,
which is a wonderful combination of bright hues, with delicate markings and shading, very
difficult to describe fully. The upper plumage is intricately speckled with black and brown,
intermixed with red and varied with pale spots of different colors, the two sexes looking much
alike. They are easily tamed and breed freely in captivity ; hen will average forty eggs in a
season — April- August.
56
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Versicolors
are exquisitely
beautiful, but
have no gaudy
colors ; head and
neck purple,
running into a
metallic blue
and green over
the body; tail
gorgeous grey
with black bars;
the cock is a per-
fect dandy with
most dignified
steps; the hen is
of rich brown.
Versicolors
attain full plumage after the first moult. Breeding season, March-August; hen averaging
fifty eggs; weight from two and one-half to three Ibs.
VERSICOLOR PHEASANTS
The adult cock has a plume of feath-
ers on his head ; back of head black; face
brilliant red; neck, breast, wings and
shoulders light grey, with black tracings
saddle yellow shading into brilliant red
and orange; tail steel blue; legs red
The hen is brown. Firebacks should be
kept in pairs. Breeding season, April -
July; hen lays about eighteen eggs dur-
ing season . Full plumage second season.
Their average weight is from three to
five pounds.
FIREBACK PHEASANTS
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
57
CHINESE OR RINGNECKED PHEASANT— Adapted to the Covert
The male has a light bronze crown, with pure white eyebrows and a broad white ring all
round the neck; markings on body in rich purple color and golden buff; the flat of the wing
and the saddle are French grey, glossed with green; plumage when six months old. Ring-
necks are fine breeders, averaging 75 eggs during breeding season to a hen Average weight
about three Ibs. They are used principally for game preserves. Crosses of the China and com-
mon species are very prevalent and they are usually called the ringneck pheasant. These
birds are perfectly fertile, not only with either pure race but between themselves.
SILVER PHEASANT
Silver pheasants obtain full plumage the second year. The cock's tail reaches two feet
in length. In color he is purple black on the crest, and on the under parts to tail; the upper
plumage and the tail are white, delicately marked with black lines, the face is covered with
brilliant red wattles. The hen is of dull brown, and both have red legs. Breeding season,
March- August ; hen averages forty-five eggs in a season. Birds are easily tamed and may be
allowed full liberty with domestic fowl. Average weight from three to six pounds.
58
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
GOLDEN PHEASANTS— King of the pheasant family
It is the most brilliant bird in existence. The adult cock has a crest of pale orange;
the longer the crest the more valuable the bird. The tippet is of deep orange, margined with
blue-black; breast rich red, shoulder green, wing coverts steel-blue, tail brown, with black
spots, and five stiff red feathers on each side. The hen is of a quiet brown ; both sexes have
yellow legs; eye of male white; of hen, brown. Most all the feathers are valuable for fly-
hook manufacturing. Of all the pheasants for pets probably none is so suitable, the plumage
is extremely beautiful, which is obtained second season. It requires but little room, very
hardy, easy to rear and readily tamed. Its graceful movements always charms the human
beholder. They breed the first year; hen will lay about thirty eggs in season — April till
August. Of all pheasants the golden is the easiest to raise. Average weight two Ibs.
ELLIOTT PHEASANTS
The plumage of the male is very peculiar and characteristic; the general hue is a very
rich golden bay, without lacing, varied by a white belly and two white Bars of>- the wing ;
the tail pale grey, barred with cinnamon. They are very rare birds and require a secluded
aviary in order to make them breed. An Elliott hen will lay about twelve to eighteen eggs
in a season ; average weight about three and one-half Ibs.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
59
EARED MANCHURIAN PHEASANTS
Adapted to the aviary
The eared pheasant differs in
many ways from the other species.
Both sexes are exactly alike in
plumage. The only way to dis-
tinguish the male from the female,
is by the spurs on his legs. This
bird is remarkable for the peculiar
arrangement of its plumage. The
general color of the body is sombre
brown. The true tail feathers are
white with dark tips ; legs and feet
are red. The head is very strik-
ing in appearance by the white
feathers that constitute the so-
called "ears" of the bird. It is a
large sized bird, weighing from
five to nine pounds. In domes-
tication, they become very tame,
more so than common fowl. They
are very hardy and the young are
easily raised. The hen averages
about thirty eggs in season. There
are three species of pheasants al-
lied to this breed.
LADY AMHERST PHEASANTS
For aviaries the Amherst is the handsomest; obtains plumage second year. The bird
is larger than the golden, the face pale green; crest black, with few red feathers; tippet
white, edged and barred with green and black; breast and back green; belly white; saddle
orange red, tail of great length, of white color, barred and speckled with rich black; plumage
extremely rich. The hen is brown, heavily barred with black; the legs are bluish grey.
Breeding season, April- August ; hen lays about thirty-five eggs in a season. The Amherst is
much easier reared than the ringneck pheasant. The average weight of the adult bird is from
two to two and one-half pounds.
60
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
SWINHOE PHEASANTS— Adapted to the aviary
The Swinhoe is a very handsome bird. It is of the same genus as the silver pheasant
and requires the same treatment. They originate from Formosa. The adult male has a
pure white crest ; red wattles. The underside of body is deep steel blue; lower part of neck,
white; shoulder, maroon; wing, brilliant green; centre tail feathers, white lyre shaped, lower
ones blue-black; legs, red. The hen is very similar to a silver hen in plumage, but rather
lighter and with pointed breast feathers. The average weight of these birds is from three to
six pounds; hen lays from twelve to fifteen eggs in season. They do not obtain their full
plumage until the second year, are extremely hardy and easily raised and mate in pairs only.
SOEMMERING PHEASANTS— Adapted to covert
The plumage of the adult male is of golden copper color, every feather having a margin
of white and black; tail, reddish, with wide bars, shading into pale colors. The hen has
similar plumage but less brilliant; tail, short and round. These are also called copper
pheasants. Undoubtedly, these pheasants are among the most beautiful birds on this globe.
They compare in richness and brilliancy with almost any specie of pheasant. They are
native on the Island of Nippon. In size, they are the same as ringnecks, weighing about
three pounds, and are fairly good breeders. Hen averages from thirty to forty eggs in season.
Hens' nests should be made at least seven inches deep so the eggs cannot roll out of the
nest, preventing them from getting broken Broken eggs give hens the first chance to get
a taste of eggs and become egg eaters. It is very hard to cure egg eaters.
REEVES PHEASANT
LADY AMHERST PHEASANT
RINGNECK PHEASANT
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
63
REEVES ^PHEASANTS— (Phasianus Reevesii). Adapted to covert
These birds originate from China. Their flesh is very delicious and to a great many
people superior to that of any other pheasant. The head is covered by a hood of white sur-
rounded by a band of black. The eye is red with a white spot under it. The neck has a
broad ring of white; the feathers of the back and breast are of brilliant golden yellow, mar-
gined with black. The tail is formed of eighteen feathers, which are closely folded together,
so that the entire tail appears narrow. The color of the tail feathers is grayish white, edged
with crescent shaped bars of black. The longest tail feathers of this bird are six feet in length.
The hen is a rich brown of various shades with a lighter streak of brown under and over the
eye. Their weight is from four to six pounds each. The eggs are bluish brown, similar to
those of the Mongolian pheasant in color.
It would be impossible to speak too highly of these noble birds — they are truly majestic.
There is very little trouble attached to the rearing of them. For a game preserve, they are
unequaled and breed as easily as the common pheasant, hen averaging from fifty to sixty
eggs in season. They cover their eggs with grass. These pheasants do not crow like other
pheasants, but make a singular calling noise and chuckling, repeating the same note about
ten times, quite musically but not loud. They obtain their full plumage the first year. The
Reeves will cross with Ringnecks and Japanese. They are very quick on the wing, rapidly
attaining a good height in the air, giving good rocketing shots. A wide range of hilly country
is best suited to the Reeves pheasant. The Reeves in flight is a wonderful sight to the eye
and one not easily forgotten and also as an object of aim to the sportsmen. The naturalist
knows no grander bird. The male bird displays his plumage by swelling up and drawing in
the head as though ready to burst, and then jumping stiff-legged in a big circle around his
hen, his long tail being held almost straight up.
Keep the soil in pheasant yards well loosened along the wire fences in order to prevent
the birds from getting sore and callous feet as they are walking all day long
64
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Reeves pheasants have the power to stop
suddenly when traveling at full speed which
is nearly double that of an ordinary pheasant.
This is accomplished by an extraordinary
movement of his tail when he desires to alight
on some high tree. The illustration gives
you an idea of the bird in flight. They
travel in flocks of twenty or more and pre-
sent a bewildering effect when they rise in
such a company.
It would be impossible to speak too highly
of these noble birds, and those who have
room will find but little' trouble rearing them.
REEVES PHEASANTS IN FLIGHT
JAPANESE PHEASANTS. (Phasianus Versicolor)
The Japanese pheasant is a native
of Japan and is also well adapted to
covert. It is doubtful whether any
other pheasant magnificent as most
of them are, can surpass this bird in
brilliancy. The wonderful grass
green of the breast, the dark blue of
the neck and brilliant scarlet of the
face, together constitute one of the
most effective combinations of colors
to be found in the whole class of
birds. In form, habits and disposition,
the Japanese pheasant corresponds
closely to the common pheasant.
As a game bird, it is both in the
covert and on the table, of unde-
niable excellence. The hens are
most abundant layers, frequently
yielding as many as forty eggs in
season. The coloring of the cock bird shades off onto the neck into metallic blue and green ;
shoulders similar to the common pheasant ; under part of throat and breast rifle green; tail,
dark brown mottled with buff and black on edges. The hen is of a rich brown with dark
arrow shaped markings. In weight . they average from two and a half to four pounds per
bird, as do the Chinese pheasants.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
65
BLACK NECK PHEASANTS
The Black Neck Pheasants resemble the Chinese in plumage and size, but have no white
ring around the neck. Excellent breeders. Hen averages eighty eggs in season. Season
April till August. Weight about three Ibs.
THE COMMON PHEASANTS
The birds are fine table delicacies and are largely planted to-day in the State of Oregon.
The male has a purple neck glossed with green, a long pointed tail of olive color barred with
black and fringed with maroon. Hen of mottled brown. They are very strong on the wing,
hearty and well fitting for the covert, fine breeders. Hen averages eighty eggs in a
season — March till August. Average weight about three Ibs.
Common Chinese, English and ringneck pheasants, when running at large, multiply
again as fast as quail. A hen will raise from 35 to 40 young in a season. The chicks are
known to leave their mother as early as three weeks old. We have to-day game preserves
in England where as many as 5,000 pheasants are shot in a season. All varieties of pheasants
breed the first year, but two and three year-old birds breed much better. The breeding
qualities last from twelve to fifteen years.
66
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
do not want to be annoyed.
are very valuable for millinery purposes.
Reeves Pheasants
They render an ornament to
any estate and are game birds of
great sport. Lord Marjorbeak
has a game preserve stocked with
Reeves' pheasants in England
and as many as nine hundred (900)
are shot in a season, affording
very fine hunting. The meat of
these birds is delicious and excel-
lent for the table. The birds are
very hardy and stand any climate.
They will stand confinement well,
but require a good sized yard, and
The plumage is of very brilliant golden yellow. The feathers
MELANOTUS PHEASANTS
SIAMESE PHEASANTS
Siamese Pheasants
They look similar to the silver pheasants excepting the saddle is yellow, shaded into
brilliant red and orange. These pheasants are extremely rare, natives of Siam. It is said
they will breed in confinement but very poorly. Hen average about fifteen eggs in
season. Weight about four Ibs.
Melanotus Pheasants
This is a striking looking bird, big and heavy set, equaling a medium size fowl and is
clothed in a peculiarly loose texture, well adapted for defending itself against severe weather.
The specie has a black, velvety cap and white throat, the plumage is of light steel blue, tail
feathers quite long and bushy. They are good breeders, the hen averaging twenty-five to
thirty eggs a season, April-July; weight about three Ibs.
Mongolian Pheasants
(Phasianus Mongolicus). Also adapted to covert
The magnificent pheasant known as the Mongolian, comes from the valley of the Syr-
Daryr and as far east as Lake Saisan. It is characterized by a broad white ring around the
neck; breast, bronze-orange red; throat purple bronzy red. It is exceedingly hardy and
suffers more from extreme heat than severe cold. They are prolific breeders, the hen averag-
aging fifty-five eggs in a season. When full grown, they weigh from three to seven pounds each.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
67
THE PRINCE OF WALES PHEASANTS
The wing coverts are white, the plumage is beautifully spangled with light purplish
black and a rich golden red ground. The bird has very little ring around the neck and a splen-
did breeder like the Chinese pheasant. Average weight, three Ibs.
HAGENBECK PHEASANTS— Adapted to covert
This bird is somewhat allied to the Chinese, but a larger frame. The feathers have a
creamy white ground color. The lower back and rump is of a very mottled appearance, and
wing covers blue-grey. The front, neck and the sides are oily green. They are prolific
breeders, hen averaging fifty eggs in season. The eggs are light brown in color. These
pheasants weigh from two and a half to four pounds.
All About Tails
If a pheasant gets sick, pull the tail out ; it will help to save its strength. If a pheasant
cock is too vigorous and active and inclined to fight or be bossy, or act 'cruel to the hens, pull
the tail out; it will take considerable of his proudness off. If you ship pheasants it is a
good idea to pull part of the tail out it is apt to become raggy in the coop break off and
be left in that condition ; whereas if pulled out a new tail will grow in a few weeks and the
new owner will appreciate it.
If you want your pheasants to look slick pull part of the tails out twice a year.
68
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
A Pleased Customer
Rowlesburg, W. Va., March 16th, '09.
Mr. Ferd. Sudow.
Dear Sir: —
I received my pair of golden pheasants yesterday morning in good shape, and I am very
proud of them, I want to thank you for sending me such a fine pair of birds. I believe if I
had charged everybody lOc that looked at them I would have made $15.00 yesterday. They
seem to be very happy in their new home. Again thanking you for the birds, and wishing
you good success in your business, I am,
Yours truly,
OSCAR B. BUCKNER.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferd. Sudow, two enthusiastic lovers of birds. Taken in 1897, when we made our first
attempt in the poultry and pigeon business.
The Law Permits Keeping Pheasants
Game Birds, etc., in Captivity
State of New York,
Forest, Fish and Game Commission
Albany.
Mr. Ferd. Sudow,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Dear Sir: —
Referring to your letter of recent date, would state that we have granted permission to
people like yourself who wish to use game birds for propagation purposes, and as long as the
same is not reduced to food we do not consider that you would be violating the game law.
Very truly yours,
JAMES S. WHIPPLE,
Game Commissioner.
According to this statement, the law allows keeping pheasants and other game birds in
captivity for breeding purposes, and I believe this permit holds good for all other States.
By Ferd. /. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 69
A few of the thousand testimonials of my patrons who read the second edition of the
Reliable Pheasant Standard.
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
F. Sudow :
Your Practical Guide, etc., on pheasants should meet the needs of all who are interested
in the breeding of pheasants and other game birds.
Point Breeze, Sheepshead Bay, L. I., N. Y.
F. Sudow:
I am pleased to get such a valuable book. I got more out of your valuable book on
pheasants (how to build pheasant yards and how to raise them) than I read in all the poultry
books. You are right; there is no comic opera talk in your talk. I have bought all kinds of
books on such work, but yours is the first one which I consider a genuine instructor.
CAPTAIN GEORGE AYRES.
Ferd. Sudow: Canada.
Your pheasant book received. I have looked it over three times and must say it is
way ahead of anything in its line that I have read. From my many years' experience with
pheasants, it is easy to see that your method of handling them all through is first-class, in-
expensive and can hardly be surpassed. Your hawk, cat, mink, etc., protection is perfect
and wonderful. I thank you for this beautiful and instructive little work, worth 100 times
75 cents to me. Yours sincerely,
HERBERT GARDNER, Game Warden.
MESSINA QUAIL CALIFORNIA QUAIL
Ferd. J. Sudow: Evanston, 111.
Dear Sir : —
I received your valuable pheasant book of recent date. Allow me to congratulate you
sincerely for the immense amount of highly useful and practical information you have con-
densed in this little book. Up to this day, I have read a number of books on pheasant raising,
having paid as much as $1.50 for one. This being the only practical pheasant book of them
all I have read. It appears to my eyes a veritable bijoux and it is. I did not expect to have
for only 75 cents such amount of practical and honest information.
I am yours truly,
Breeder of High-Class Pigeons. CHAS. B. EIDEN.
70
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Mandarin and Wood Duck Breeding
The Real Duck Bantam Family
The mandarin duck is the most gorgeous in appearance of all the ornamental duck tribes,
and deserves greater attention from breeders and exhibitors than it has heretofore received.
The bird is of small size, weighs about one pound, closely and neatly built, and the beautiful
bright plumage of the drake in grandeur, is almost beyond
description. The long crest on the head and the fan on
the back can be raised or lowered at will. The color of
the feathers run in orange-brown to an olive brown and
greenish orange. Mandarin ducks are a native of China
and it is customary in that country to carry a pair of
Mandarin ducks in a wedding procession. They show
everlasting fidelity to their mates. The breeding sea-
son is from April to June The duck lays from fifteen to
twenty-four eggs in a season and the eggs hatch within
twenty-one days. The young can be raised with bantam
hens and require about the same attention and feed as
bantam chicks. Mandarins require a very secluded spot in
order to make them breed. In captivity they do not want
to be seen or hunted up during breeding season, and their
nest must not be molested. I have been very successful breeding these ducks in putting
up a lot of cornstalks in their yards, which the birds use for their hiding-place.
MANDARIN
Showing its plumage
A SWIMMING POOL FOR MANDARIN
AND WOOD DUCKS
An aviary should be about the size 6x10 feet. A good size wash-tub will answer for a
swimming pool, and put it in the ground to be even with the surface of the ground, be sure
and place this tub in a shady spot. In the middle of the bottom of the tub bore a hole and
insert a plug with a chain attached, which will enable you to let the water out by pulling the
plug out. In digging the hole for the tub make sure that there is plenty of dirt dug away
directly underneath the plug, in order to give the water a chance to soak away readily. The
water should be changed every day. The ducks will enjoy this pool immensely and no doubt
if you are a lover of birds you will enjoy looking at them. It will also keep their plumage
in a most perfect and beautiful condition. To make these beautiful small ducks breed, set
some cornstalks in the pen, in which they can hide and make their nests.
By'Ferd. J. Siidow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
71
The wood duck belongs also to the bantam duck family and is a beautiful little ornament
of exquisite plumage, resembling the man-
darin in its graceful form and size. If you
are a lover of birds you will indeed greatly
enjoy these birds of never tiring appearance.
These ducks require a covered yard same
as pheasants. In common with the wood
duck, the mandarin will perch and roost in
trees and will also breed in the hollows of
trees. They can be raised with bantams,
but are of use solely for ornamental pur-
poses. There
is not much
difficulty i n
rearing these
ducks as they
WOOD DUCK appear to be
as hardy as
the ordinary duck and very little subject to disease. They
will eat the same food as required for common ducks.
Squirrels make very interest-
ing pets, there are eight known
varieties; Grey, Red, Black, White,
Fox, Flying, Ground and Cimmon
Squirrels.
GREY SQUIRREL.
TWO WARM FRIENDS.
A few suggestions and practical hints to my patrons
Be sure to provide shade for your birds. In order to be a successful pheasant breeder,
look for practical points and to those who have already made a success in this grand industry.
Fifty pair of golden pheasants will give a living equal to the average wages of a working-
man and at the same time you are your own boss and not a slave to the public. I have
raised pheasants for the past twelve years, but have not at any time been able to fill more
than half of my orders.
You will surely receive your reward in this world if yon are good and kind to dumb ani-
mals.
Pheasants are a great attraction for summer hotels. A grand advertising scheme.
Send for my big catalogue and price-list of all varieties of pheasants, wild game, poultry,
pigeons, — birds and animals of every description, zoological stock etc.; eggs for hatching
cost 20c.
If you want something good to eat, try a pheasant roast.
72
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Peacock Breeding
The peacock
is well known
for its beauty
and great at-
traction. It is
extremely easy
to manage as
its wants are
few. Any
poultry food is
sufficient for
them. Our
ancient fore-
fathers, highly
esteemed it as
a delicacy.
After the bird
had been
dressed for
the table, it
was served with the plumage attached and expanded and helped to add to the pomp and
splendor of the entertainment. The long plumes of the peacock are valuable for fly-hook
manufacturers. The peacock hen makes her nest on the ground and will lay from eight to
twelve eggs in April, May and June, setting well and being an attentive and careful mother.
The nest must not be interfered with during incubation, which lasts about twenty-eight days.
The young are easily raised and of very hearty constitution. They can be fed much the
same as young turkeys ; hard boiled eggs and stale bread crumbs, or bread soaked in milk
for the first two weeks is an excellent feed for them They will stand confinement well.
These birds are remarkable for longevity, known to be more than thirty years old.
AUERHAHN
Auerhahn or Capercailzies
These birds belong to the partridge family
and next to sage grouse, are the largest of this
breed. Full grown birds will measure from
forty to forty-five inches in length, and weigh
twelve to sixteen Ibs. They inhabit ex-
("* A PT^R C* A TT 7TT?
treme cold regions, mostly the mountains in
Europe, and indeed very hardy, averaging about twelve to fifteen young to a pair.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
73
ThelVulturine Guinea Fowl
This beautiful bird is rather larger than
the common guinea fowl, longer in neck and
leg and more erect in carriage. The tail is
much longer than the common guinea's,
the head has neither helmet nor wattle,
simply bare and plain, and the neck and
breast are covered with hackles. The plum-
age is black spotted with white, much hand-
somer than the common guinea fowl, and
the sides of the belly are most beautiful,
azure blue, which color also tinges the hackles
at their edges. The wing feathers are bor-
dered with lilac, the head is slate colored,
and the legs are black. These birds require
warm quarters and good shelter. They
will breed in confinement. Hen averages
fifteen to twenty eggs in a season. They are
certainly one of the most beautiful, unique
and desirable birds on this globe for 'aviary
purposes.
Four species of jungle fowl are known,
all bearing a resemblance to domestic fowl,
a little over bantam size. However, they
look more like a pheasant, the tail being
kept low. The plumage is like a black-red domestic game-fowl, single comb and of smal
size. They will stand confinement well and breed well in April till July.
THE VULTURINE GUINEA FOWL
JUNGLE FOWL
If you want eggs in winter it is absolutely necessary that you should feed cut clover
which produces the shell.
For loose bowels feed heavy oats.
74
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
A PRACTICAL POULTRY HOUSE WITH SCRATCHING SHED
It is a good idea to place 2-inch mesh poultry wire in front of scratching shed, in order to
keep the hens under shelter during rough and stormy weather. For scratching feed use small
seeds such as canary and millet. Chickens appreciate these seeds as we do our dessert and
will work a long time for one kernel.
A practical chicken roost. A poultry house should be white-
washed at least four times a year in order to keep
"Smarotzers" vermin out
"Sure Egg Recipe"
The Secret to Make Hens
Lay all the Year Around,
Especially in Winter
Made of the following:
Mix together 20 Ibs. of ground
Corn; 5 Ibs. Oats; 3 Ibs. of Bran;
5 Ibs. Beef Scraps; 2 Ibs. Cut
Clover; % Ib. Pratts' Poultry
Food; 2 Ibs. Oyster Shells; Y± Ib.
Table Salt; use as much as is
wanted for one day and add
water until moist and crumbly.
Can be fed dry also.
Oyster shells and cut clover
should be permanently kept in a
box before the hens.
I have used this feed for a number of years, and I assure you I get more eggs in winter
than in summer, and this is no comic opera talk either. The past winter I averaged six eggs
from ten hens daily, using the above recipe exclusively. Try it and be convinced. You will
also find that eggs produced from this feed have an exceptionally delicious taste, and entirely
different from eggs produced from a hen that runs about a dirty barn yard. I consider cut
clover a most important feed for a hen's meal in winter to produce egg shells. A customer
writes* I used your sure egg recipe and by mistake it was placed before my setting hens,
and in three days' time two of them left their nest, quit setting and begun to lay again. This
reminds me of another big story I heard. It was recited by an negro through the Edison
phonograph from a piece called "My Uncle's Farm," he said there was a spring on his uncle's
farm that gave soup ; the other fellow had a still better yarn, he said there was a well on his
uncle's farm that was so deep if a man was to fall into it, it would take three days' before one
could hear the splash.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Pougkkeepsie, N. Y.
A Little Severe Talk on Crows
75
Crows are without a doubt the most bitter enemies of our native quail, partridges,
pheasants, etc. The story, that severe winters have killed off quail does not hold good ; for
the reason that our winter weather is not any more severe now than it ever was. The year
after the great blizzard of 1888 we had plenty of quail but I believe that crows have greatly
added to the extermination of our bob white quail. A wholesale slaughter should be under-
taken at once to kill these birds of prey. They are doing great damage to crops, and robbing
the farmers of their young chickens. I venture to say crows do damage to crops, poultry,
etc., right in Dutchess County, N. Y , amounting to more than two million dollars in
a year. From my personal observation I judge about one million crows inhabit Dutchess
County. A farmer told me that for the past three years his corn crop was a total failure on
account of the crows destroying it, besides robbing him of one half his young poultry. I
trust our State Game Commissioner and County Supervisors will in the near future come to
the conclusion that something must be done for the destruction of crows. Every farmer
suffers to a great extent from
damage done by crows. They
are multiplying at the rate of
three to five per pair every
year. The slaughtering of
these birds should be under-
taken during nesting time, by
shooting out the nests, and
again in winter when heavy
snow is on the ground, at
which period they congregate
in immense large numbers to-
gether, and could be killed off
in big quantities by a few
gun shots. The value of a
crow is from 15c to 25c; for
millinery purposes.
JAPANESE LONG TAIL PHOENIX FOWL.— All speciet of the pheasant family— tail 11 feet long
76 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Artificial Nests for Singing Birds
How to Trap Sparrows
These illustrations show how to make artificial nests which are put up in trees for the
purpose of attracting and to protect wild singing birds. Thousands of these nests are now
put up in the woods throughout Europe, principally Germany and Austria and it is to be
hoped that this example will soon be followed in America. Observations are far more effect-
ive on this subject than books. The arrangements at Seebach, Germany (the experiment
station) , which consists of about 100 acres woodland, where over 3 000 of these nesting boxes
have been placed and most all of them are occupied, have produced marvelous results in
NEST BOXES FOR FINCHES, ORIOLES, WRENS, THRUSHES, STARLING, ETC.
the preservation of singing birds. However I strongly advocate the extermination of spar-
rows. Do not let them breed anywhere in your buildings. The history claims sparrows
originated from England ; the truth is they are the true English bulldog of the singing bird
family
Sparrow. The Most Bitter Enemy of our Native Singing Birds
Wherever they congregate no other singing bird their size or even larger can exist.
(Sparrows kill thousands of harmless insect eating birds every year.) They do not come un-
der the heading of insect destroyers and are a detriment to the farmer. A good way to ex-
terminate these birds is in the winter when heavy snow is on the ground by trapping them.
The best trap that I know of, is to build an off room in a barn or shed, leaving a small opening
for a trap door. In this room is placed a lot of hay or straw on the floor in which is scattered
cracked corn, millet seed and other grain.
By Ferd. J, Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
77
Upon establishing this trap for sometime and coaxing the sparrows into it for a few days
you will be astonished how many you can trap on a cold rough day, when the snow is on the
ground. The sparrow being a vary cunning bird will find the feed and tell others very soon.
I caught as many as 400 sparrows in just such a trap in a single day. In Europe the boys
take great delight in catching sparrows in winter. They are used for the table, offered in
restaurants and considered pretty good eating.
WRONG.
This illustration shows the right and wrong way in putting up nest boxes ; place the boxes
the hole to face south in such a position so the rain can not drive into the hole^ any more
than possible.
Mo«e Jackson.
Pheasant Capons
If you wish to use pheasant cocks for
ornamental purposes and overcome their
nature as fighters, make capons of them and
they will be as peaceable as lambs. It will also
enable you to keep hundreds of cock birds ^in
one pen.
What a grand sight to see a large num-
ber of them peaceable together
A colored man who for the first time got a glimpse of pheasants — By thar thondarrashon
and blitzen, look at dem praty poeasants.
78
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Hungarian Partridges
About 15,000 Hungarian partridges were imported into this country in 1908. They will
be the coming game birds of the United States, and will soon take the place of our Bob White
quail. They are raised on the same principle as pheasants. These birds are found all over
Europe. I shall never forget the grand time afforded me shooting these partridges in Muf-
rica, a northern Province in Hanover, Germany. They are most plentiful in Austria Hun-
gary where the weather is very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. Snow covers
the ground for four or more months, often up to two feet deep ; but in spite of this, these
birds thrive well in that part of the country. About 1,000,000 Hungarian partridges are
exported yearly from Hungary to go to many parts of the world. In breeding season they
pair off like our native quail. During fall and winter the Hungarian partridges live in
flocks together, 15 to 25, and at night assemble in little groups a short distance from each
other gathered in a circle with faces turned outward, being always on the lookout for animals
and birds of prey. They make their nests on the ground, mostly in green fields or under
shelter of brush, the hen averaging from 15 to 20 eggs before she will become broody. A pair
will raise two broods in a season. The greatest feature of these birds is that they are abso-
lutely nonmigratory, they are extremely hardy and prolific, and bear confinement well. In
size they are more than twice as large as the Bob White quail. For stocking game preserves
at least 12 birds should be liberated at the same time They get their living almost any-
where, and on any land and climate and make a most delicious game course for the table.
They are best adapted to the covert. I know of no other game bird exceeding them to
answer the purpose of training a hunting dog. They lie and hold excellent before a pointer,
and are a grand shot for the sportsman.
They measure from ends ^^^^^ of wing, spread out 24 ins. ;
from head to tip of tail about ^^* ^ inches long. The most
important point in Hungarian partridges is their hardi
ness and strength. They
apparently do not suffer
much from extreme
changes of heat or cold.
The birds are extremely
sociable, peaceable and
faithful to one another
and they inhabit the same
districts the pheasants or
Bob White quail do, in
fact they have been seen
together with Bob Whites
and found in the same
flock to show that they do
not frighten our native
quail, but live amiable
with them and enjoy their
company just the same as
with their own kind. As
for sport in the field these
partridges are more swift
in flight than Bob White
and usually lie much closei
to cover, giving the dogs a
better chance to nose and
hold them.
•
HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE
(Continued on page 84)
BELGIAN JUMBO HOMERS FOR SQUAB BREEDING AS BRED BY FERD SUDOW
A pair of Belgian Homers raise averaging 14 squabs a year, weighing 9 to 11 pounds
to a dozen, worth $3.00 net to a breeder. Squab breeding is 50 per cent more profitable
than chicken raising with 75 per cent less work. It takes from 21 to 28 days to raise a
marketable squab worth 40 to 60 cents, and it takes 90 days to raise and care for a market-
able chicken worth 25 to 50 cents. Owing to a new game law prohibiting shipping quail-,
or keeping game birds in cold storage, squabs take their place on the bill of fare and are
in great demand One thousand breeding homers carefully handled will yield a yearly
income of about $1,200. The cost of keeping a pair of homers, besides nursing their young
is about 60 cents a year.
METHOD OF RAISING EXTRA FAT SQUABS. By F. SUDOW. (Copyright.)
New discovered method forcing squab breeding and raising extra large white squabs;
most accurate, harmless but effective pigeon lice killer; how to tell male from female; best
markets ; quickly and thoroughly cleaned and most practical pigeon nests (illustrated) ;
easiest and quickest way of catching pigeons. Price 25 cents by mail.
You will find squab breeding a pleasure if you use this method. All new ideas; good,
sound common sense talk — no comic opera poultry talk at all; no hash. Y'ou will never
regret having spent these few pennies. It will save lots of trouble and worry.
One thousand enthusiastic testimonials.
BOOKS ON PIGEONS
"Pigeons and All About Them"
Complete book, handsomely illustrated. How to breed and manage pigeons under all
conditions. Contains 264 pages, $1.50, by mail.
FULTON'S BOOK ON PIGEONS
Improved, revised edition. The most complete pigeon book published, over 500 pages,
fully illustrated with full page engravings. Every fancier should have one of these books.
Price $6.00.
"IT WILL ADD TO YOUR HAPPINESS"
Keep Pigeons for recreation after business hours.
Keep Pigeons for your boys, to keep them at home away from bad company.
Keep Pigeons for love of the beautiful, the hobby will add immensely to your happiness.
Keep Flying Homers for racing purposes. It is grand sport and most innocent
amusement.
By Ferd. J. Sudow Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
European Roebuck Deer
81
This deer is considered the swiftest
game in the world. The animal is found
to-day in the northern part of Russia and
away down in Italy; adapted for any kind
of climate, extremely hardy, weighs from
60 to 75 Ibs., the size of a large goat, and
the meat is very choice, exceeding by far
our American lamb. They are very intel-
ligent and genteel animals, and easily
tamed to eat from the hand of their keeper.
The doe will produce one or two young
every spring and they are as easy to raise as
sheep.
ROE DEER— Swiftest game in the world
ROE DEER
BOB WHITE^QUAIL AND CHICKS
HOW TO RAISE QUAIL
No other industry is commanding so much at-
tention just now as- Quail Culture, and no other
work gives as practical a treatise on the culture as
# "QUAILOLOGY" «
By H. W. Kerr. It gives scientific description and
notes on every species from the Bob White to Euro-
pean Quail; 16 page illustrations from live birds; a
practical treatise from A to z in procuring and rais-
ing quail; letters from breeders; and game laws. A
valuable work highly commended by the Natural
History; Sporting and Fancier's Press of the U. 3.,
Price, postpaid, $1.00.
82
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
RABBIT BREEDING
The rabbit's period of gestation is thirty days. Most all varieties of rabbits average
from seven to eleven young to a litter, but known to have as many as sixteen to a litter. It
is an industry in which most any one can engage in to provide recreation, and at the same time
provide meat for the table second to none. Rabbit meat is cooked in several ways same as
chicken meat, roasted, broiled, fried, etc., and tastes very much the same as chicken meat.
It can be produced at a less expense per pound than any other meat I know of, the principal
point in breeding rabbits is to protect them from dogs and cats. It is a wrong idea to handle
them by the ears, the proper way to handle them is to take a good handful of their pelt right
over the shoulders same as you would handle a pup. General feed for rabbits is all kinds of
vegetables oats, corn, wheat, rye, stale bread, etc., they will also eat all kinds of weeds and
worthless stuff, this makes the keeping very inexpensive. Rabbits best for stocking purpos-
es are the cotton-tail, jack, rabbits, English and German hares. For aviary purposes try
he Belgian hares, Dutch rabbit, Lope eared, Angora and Himalayans.
A PRACTICAL CONCRETE ROADWAY THROUGH THE DESERT
An automobile road from New York to San Francisco — or "Bust" — Let that be the am-
bition of every automobilist»
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
83
ANGORA GOATS
Angora Goats
The angora goat is a native of Turkey and the raising of these animals in this country
will be one of the coming great industries. One of the great advantages in raising angora
goats is the ease and economy with which herds can be profitably handled. They are practi-
cally immune from all diseases, and will thrive and prosper where sheep or cattle would starve
to death. They are great brush destroyers and will not only clear away the brush better than
a gang of laborers could do, but will also get fat in the process. Land which is practically
worthless can be made valuable by having it cleared by these goats, who will fertilize it at
the same time. A great deal of farmland in Iowa and California has been cleared in this
manner. This shows how easy and cheap it is to keep angora goats. They can be raised
with profit in any section of the United States.
The angora goat makes an ideal domestic pet. It is intelligent and affectionate and
its milk is declared by scientists to be next to mother's milk in value. The chief value lies
in its fine wool, which is long and lustrous. This wool is second in commercial value to silkf
A QUAIL AND PARTRIDGE TRAP
84
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
called mohair and also enters into the making of plush goods. The wool brings from twenty-
five cents to a dollar per pound and the average fleece of the pure bred angora is from four
to eight pounds. The shearing is done in early spring. Angoras are in their prime from two
to six years old. When an angora is killed its carcass also has its price in the meat market.
There is a growing demand for angora meat. The meat is rich and juicy and free from that
strong taste found in the common goat.
FLOCK OF ANGORAS
Angora goats are very valuable for their mohair and skin, tough nature'andjive on most
anything, great brush destroyers and are reared same as common mutton.
BOHEMIAN QUAIL SWISS CHAMOIS— From the Alps
Hungarian Partridges — Continued from page 78
Partridge chicks commence to run just as soon as they leave the shell and are very whole-
some creatures. The parent birds take equal parts in the care and raising the young. The
cock bird guards and shelters them the same as the hen does and they generally rear all of the
brood. Young partridges live almost exclusively on insects and worms in their early age.
Later on they feed on small grains suclTas weed seeds, celery tops, apples, bugs, berries, etc.,
they have a great preference to buckwheat fields, etc.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
85
Ostrich Breeding
Within the last twenty years the ostrich has been successfully transplanted to this new
world and is now bred in many southern States, California and Arizona, etc. There are some
five thousand ostriches at this writing, solely kept for the production of their plumage. The
ostrich feather trade now amounts to about twenty million dollars in value annually. A
large ostrich farm is situated in Arizona where some fifteen hundred ostriches are yielding
about ninety thousand dollars' worth of feathers yearly.
Every four months the ostriches are deprived of their superfluous finery that adorns
them, for the benefit of the millinery trade. The ostrich is a peacefully disposed creature
and its domestication has proven a success. Each bird yields about sixty dollars' worth of
ostrich finery every year. As an ostrich is believed to reach the good old age of sixty years,
there is a very profitable and steady income in view for the ostrich farmer. The expense of
keeping ostriches is about the same as sheep. They live on grass principally. The ostrich
is a multiplier, the hen lays an average of some two dozen eggs every season. The eggs weigh
about three pounds and a half each and taste the same as chicken eggs.
Of course, they are somewhat an expensive article of food. One will make an omelet
for a dozen people. The male and female take turns in setting on the eggs, — the male setting
at night when his black feathers are not easily seen, and the female in the daytime, as her
plumage closely resembles the color of the ground. If a pair is not allowed to set, sixty or
more eggs will be laid in a season.
OSTRICHES AND THEIR YOUNG— FROM 1 DAY TO 2 MONTHS OLD
The laying time is February and August. They first proceed to dig a hole in the ground
some twelve inches deep; the hen lays 12 to 15 eggs when she will become broody and set
down to hatch. Two weeks after she has been engaged in this useful occupation the ostrich
farmer removes the eggs to the incubator and hatches them by machinery. It takes almost
nine weeks to hatch ostrich eggs. The young are extremely hardy and raised in brooders.
The chicks, when hatched, represent fluffy little creatures with striped, velvety necks
and plump, well-shaped bodies. They are about a foot high and grow at a surprising rate.
They increase about a foot in height each month until six months old, after which they are
full grown birds.
86
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Ostriches eat corn, alfalfa, vegetables, grass and green food of all sorts. They are, in-
deed, very greedy and will gobble nearly everything that is offered to them. They require
plenty of bones and gravel to aid their digestion.
Ostriches are very fond of oranges and when they are thrown to them, they will catch
them in their open mouths and as they raise their heads, the orange can be seen, passing
speedily down their long necks. They will swallow most anything. It often happens, while
lady visitors are standing too close to their enclosure, a bird will stretch his lonk neck over the
fence and grab something from a hat or dress, — sometimes even jewelry — and swallow it
eagerly, without any investigation. It is said that even lighted tobacco-pipes have been
seized and swallowed before they could be rescued.
Birds intended for breeding purposes are kept separated from those selected for feather
raising, single birds producing the best feathers. An ostrich is first plucked at the age of
seven months and then at intervals of six to eight months. After being plucked, the feath-
ers are carefully cleaned, sorted and dyed. The beauty of an ostrich feather depends more
on its width, and the length and thickness of its strands, than on the length of the quill.
In order to pluck an ostrich, a bag or hood, is thrown over his head after which he can
be handled very easily. As a rule, he is led to a solid wooden box, just large enough for him
to stand in, and where he has no chance to turn around or kick. They have as much strength
as a horse, and if an inexperienced person is assailed by an angry ostrich, the best thing to do
is to lie down flat. The ostrich attacks by kicking, — however he cannot kick an object on
the ground.
The climate of southern California is best suited to the ostrich. The bright, sunny days
are not so blazingly hot as those of South Africa, and a heavier crop of feathers is produced
as a natural protection against the chilly breezes from the ocean after sundown.
The American Ostrich Trust in Arizona pays $600 per dozen for ostrich chicks, and the
American ostrich farmer has no trouble in disposing of his stock. The ostrich industry is
an exceedingly profitable one and grows more so every year.
By Ferd. J. Stidow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
87
Swan Breeding
The increasing demand for ornamental birds for parks and country estates is the basis of
the interest in swans. Given a suitable location, such as a natural pond, with some wild
marsh and meadow nearby and swans are easily raised. They are fond of water, plants and
roots. Also of fish spawn, hence should not be kept in a valuable fish preserve.
The beautiful white or black swan is a very large fowl, the pure white being the most at-
tractive both in form and color. These birds are domestic, same as geese, and of extremely
hardy constitution. The nest is built by both
male and female, usually made on the bank of
the pond ; it consists of a mass of sticks or twigs,
raised sufficiently high to prevent its being
overflowed during any rise of the water.
They require plenty of room and a secluded
place where they can go unmolested from
dogs or animals of prey and will breed freely,
but when they are interfered with, they will
seldom lay at all. They must also be kept
separate during breeding season, as they are
very quarrelsome among themselves. Two
or more pair in one pen will never do. A
female swan lays from 12 to 18 eggs in
March, April and May, and the eggs hatch
within nearly six weeks. The young are ted the same as you would a flock of geese. They
are very profitable birds to raise, command high prices and in great demand.
Swans generally pair for life, their whole behavior offering a beautiful example of con-
jugal fidelity. The two birds show the greatest affection for each other, always swimming in
company, and caressing each other with their bills and necks in the most interesting manner,
though the male is, of course, the more powerful and courageous. Both birds help to prepare
the nest, the male chiefly gathering the materials, while the female seems to take the chief
part in the actual construction. Six to nine eggs are laid, very thick in shell, and generally
of a dirty white color, sometimes pale green. The time of incubation has been differently
stated, fixing it at thirty-five days, though some say forty-two. The young, when hatched
are very thickly covered with down, and are generally taken to the water by the mother when
only a day or two old. There they are watched over by both parents with the greatest care
until grown enough to take care of themselves.
BLACK SWAN.
88
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
BLACK NECK SWAN' AND YOUNG
Like their relative the ducks, they are
quite free from disease and hardy. They
are not great layers, hence not very prolific,
and the grower must get a good price for
the stock. If the first litter is taken away
they will lay a second lot. The eggs are
greenish like those of ducks, and the young
are dark colored but become pure white
when grown. The common swan is always
white but there are swans of black or mixed
color from Australia and South America.
The swans, although awkward on land are
among the most graceful of birds in their
chosen element, while swimming about with
curving neck and partly raised wings.
PURE WHITE SWANS
A PLOOK OP INDIAN RUNNER DUCKS
By Ferd. J Sudoiv. Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
89
DEER FARMING
The raising oi deer is now tried by a number of enthusiastic cattle breeders, some claim
that twenty deer can be kept at the cost of one cow. and that waste land which yields little
or no profit can be used for the purpose. The U. S. Department of Agriculture has issued a
bulletin on deer farming, this'pamphlet is quite complete on the subject and gives valuable
information. Send for a copy It is free.
TAME DEER RAISED IN MAINE
MOUNTAIN GOAT
Cuts at one-quarter price, of all kinds of Birds, Animals, Poultry, Pigeons, Dogs, etc.
Also colored cuts.
Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
90 Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Japanese Ring Dove Breeding
These doves breed about six times a year; lay two eggs to a setting; the eggs hatch within
twelve days, and the young grow unusually quick. They require warm climate and cannot
stand much cold. On account of the beautiful fawn color the feathers and skin of ring doves
JAPANESE RING DOVES
are largely used for the American millinery trade. They are today bred in great quantities
in Italy, principally for that purpose. The price of skins bring from 40 to 65 cents each.
CUBAN DOVES
WONGA DOVES— NATIVE OF AUSTRALIA
Doves can be domesticated same as pigeons and require the same care. They can be
given their liberty to fly at large when thoroughly accustomed to their loft, and are exceeding-
ly attractive pets. It is very amusing to see them fly about, and unlike pigeons they will
light in trees, and become so tame that they will fly on their keeper's shoulder to be fed ; they
make a peculiar laughing and cooing noise, on account of which they are called in Germany
Lach-Taube, translated laughing dove.
Besides the doves above illustrated we have the wild turtle doves and pure white
doves.
By Ferd. J. Sudaw, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Questions and Answers
91
Q. What can I feed in place of ant eggs?
A. Feed meal worms.
Q. Can I keep golden and silver pheasants in
one pen ?
A. All varieties of pheasants should be kept
separate, at least during breeding season.
Q. What is the best way of feeding green
stuff?
A. Seed down grass or clover in boxes and
place it in the aviary.
Q. What is the best remedy for cancer?
A. Swab the throat with one part Listerine and
four parts water.
Q . What is the best bait for catching cats ?
A. Use fresh fish.
Q. When do pheasants begin to lay ?
All pheasants commence to lay in April till August.
Why do you advise shipping coops for pheasants to be fifteen inches high ?
Because in order to digest their food and extend their stomach they should stand erect.
What is the best way of providing shade for the aviary ?
Put cheap muslin on top of wire, and fasten it to same.
How much do pheasants weigh ?
They vary in size according to varieties, their weight is from 1 J/£ to 15 Ibs.
JAPANESE SILKIES
Make good foster mothers for pheasants
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
This illustration shows a trap for
big game of all kinds. The bait is
placed in the middle part. The trap
has to be built according to the size of
the game to be trapped. After enter-
ing the trap the animal cannot get out
again, because passing the door will
push it shut.
In a great many instances the
poultry and pheasant business is a case
of cart before the horse, particularly
when it comes to shipping birds. On
one occasion I had pheasants sent to
me in a trunk, and again in something
like a safe, all the birds arriving dead.
To be successful in the pheasant in-
dustry, practicability must be exercised
to the very utmost, to have things handy, easy to clean and to look for improvements right
along.
What I have told you comes right from my practical experience and observation of hand-
ling a pheasant plant, and doing the actual industrious pheasant work, and not from a neat
feather-dusted polished-oak office desk and spring chair and a handsome stenographer along-
side of it.
A TRAP FOR GAME
92
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
WILD TURKEYS — Can be raised in captivity— Bring enormous prices for stocking purposes
A sample of a long, beautiful, wearisome letter such as I receive in my daily mail.
Ferd. Sudow,
Dear Sir: —
I would like to raise valuable pheasants or save the eggs for you (if you supply th
stock) or both. I take an active interest in very fine precious birds. In case you wish that
I should care for such birds — the coming winter — I will do so. Provided you pay for the
building of the pens — and I want them right — Instead of getting $5.00 a dozen for the eggs
I prefer a different arrangement. Give me a stipulated amount each month — say $150.00
a year — in return for care given to your breeder and for saving eggs. I also will hatch and
raise for you what you want.
I desire to care for birds. I wish to live in my charming studio — just across from my
home — and I cannot afford to do this. We have much property but are land poor.
If I could get $150 a year I could do very well in all ways. I will not charge for the feed
given.
I seldom go away from home and have experience with pheasants. I have plenty of
land. I am not afraid of the responsibility. I am used to birds for 15 years — silkies and
Chinese pheasants and like that — pigeons, etc.
All I need is explicit directions — such as you use yourself. I have already sent word to
Mr. Davenport — the great pheasant owner, and it is likely he will secure my aid. Whichever
writes first gets my help. I am a literature woman, very quiet and love beautiful birds. I
think life is hardly worth living without birds. I cannot afford to stock. It is expensive
to buy. In case you send stock to me let it be of the golden, silver, amherst and any other
lovely variety. I should also like pet chip-munks and angora cats. In fact I am crazy
over pets. I like gold fish but not the foreign varieties, they are too delicate and worry a
body. You must build my pens as I want them. My Chinese pheasants are five years old.
Sincerely yours,
One full of literary.
By Ferd. J. Sudow, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
93
EGYPTIAN GEESE
CANADIAN GEESE
CHINESE GEESE
Keep Pigeons
For recreation after business
hours
For your boys, to keep them
at home away from bad com-
pany.
For the love of the beautiful;
the "hobby" will add immensely
to your happiness.
For racing purposes. It is
grand sport and most innocent
amusement.
Pheasants and pigeons go well together.
MOST PRACTICAL PIGEON NESTS
MOUNTAIN QUAIL
Quail will stand confinement and the young can be raised in captivity. Quailology is
the best book treating on the breeding of quail.
94
Points on Care and Breeding of Pheasants, etc.
Complete Work on Pheasants, their natural history, treating on all points of breeding
and habits. Illustrated with 24 full-page engravings, colored plates, drawn from life by
J. G. Millias, 260 pages bound in leather. $4.00 postpaid.
A beautiful picture of the
golden pheasant, the king of
all birds, in brilliant, natural
colors of crimson, red and
orange, almost life size, a great
attraction for your home, 30
cents postpaid. You will never
tire of looking at this handsome
picture. It affords you great
pleasure, if you are a lover of
birds.
THE GOLDEN PHEASANT KING OF THE PHEASANT FAMILY
50 beautiful colored postal cards postpaid for 40c of many varieties of pheasants, quail
swans, pigeons, ducks, turkeys, poultry, etc., and a scheme, how to make money "Quick," by
mail goes with it.
Recipe for Killing Lice by fumigation, 15 cents; harmless to birds; no handling fowl or
painting roosts necessary. All you do is to remove the cork. The Best Lice Killer Out.
Cuts of all varieties of pheasants, ducks, etc., in colors. $2.75 per set, worth $25.00.
Half tone cuts, 60c.
MAGIC FISH LURE— Bait
Lure and you will go home
basket. It attracts fish the
Try it,
your hook with Magic Fish
with a merry heart and a full
same as sugar does flies.
30c. by mail.
NEW DISCOVERY FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF RATS AND MICE.
Your premises cleared in the surest and easiest way. Non-poisonous! Effective! I
have a remedy which will drive the rats and mice from your premises. Not kill them, mind
you, to cause offensive odors, but drive them out and keep them out. Far better than cats,
dogs, traps or dangerous poisons. Merely applied to wads of cotton and introduced into the
haunts of rats and mice, it causes an immediate exodus of these annoying and destructive
pests. Receipt by mail 20c.
Sure cure to drive ground-moles out of your lawns. Receipt 25c. by mail.
UNITED STATES PHEASANTRY
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y.
This book bound in leather $2.00 by mail.
Agents and Canvassers wanted to sell this book. Big commission.
GENERAL LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA— BERKELEY
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the
date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
30JuP56MH
.2719561
NOY 1 7 19 1
1 7 1931
IFFRUBRARY LOAN
]
UNIV. OF CALIF.. BERK
SEtfTONILL
NOV 1 3 1997
U. C. BERKELEY
LD 21-100m-l,'54(1887sl6)476
YD 04442