The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-11-09
PHEASANT REARING
FOR SHOOTING AND
PROPAGATING PURPOSES
To the spOrtsmen of ocala:

To the Sportsmen of 0cala:
In writing this article, it is my de-
sire to bring to the notice of sports
men, especially of this locality, the
rare future of the ring-necked pleas
ants, our most wonderful game birds,
not only as sporting but also as a
business proposition.
The pheasants originated in the
wild and cold countries of Asia, and
a few species were introduced into
European countries some one hundred
and fifty or more years ago. While
at first they were allowed to breed IN
wild state, it soon became apparent
to lovers of these beautiful game
birds that a little special care would
be advisable in the treatment of the
young birds, or chicks. As time went
on methods were introduced and I'M
proved upon from time to time, so
that today these birds can be reared
in almost any number by application
of the most up-to-date and scientific
principles, and an able game keeper
on a game preserve where these mod
ern methods are employed, will never
fail to see the contentment and salts
faction of the sportsmen when he
shows them the large number of birds
he was able to rear during the season.
The pheasant is essentially wood
land bird but likes to roam over fields
and meadows as well, and any timber
tract, interspersed with few small
fields and, maybe, a little flowing
lbrook or creek, will make an ideal
lpheasantry. The main thing is to
keep strangers off the breeding
| grounds, as the birds are naturally
wild, and shy from the time they are
matched, and even the keeper, while
the birds become used to him, vii
never be able to put his hands on
bird, but will always have to use his
net. The actual breeding grounds
will not have to be larger than from
ten to twenty acres and should always
be fenced with mesh wire. one boar'
, at the bottom, and should be locates
somewhere near the center of the pre-
serve. The breeding stock should b
obtained now, or as soon as possible
giving the birds chance to get use
to their new surroundings and TO De
come acclimated. The birds begin t
Law here about March 1st and continu
to Law for three months and hal
each hen of the ring-neck kind produt
; ing from so to 100 eggs, and if tn
:, keeper knows the secret OF feeding
these eggs viii prove fertile from 8
d to 95 per cent. Old birds are partl
: fed on grain of different kinds, an
e partly on sprouts, patent (AmeriC
e Limited) pheasant meal, and Il
s Young birds until six weeks old G
it pheasant meal and chick grain, aft
l. which they too are fed grain al
/ pheasant meal alternately. If gan
5 preserve or a pleasantly should
10 established here, l would strong
IF urge to get in the main ring neck
IN and as a side line and source of ne
re income, a trio Of goldens, Lady Al
Of hersts, siIvers, Recoes and the Jap
er nese green pheasant. The Reeoes
is the king of all the pheasants, and {
ne swiftest on the wing, and with its Fl
Is to six feet long tail appears mo
in like a comet than a bird. The Jap
Of nese green pheasants are considerat
IL smaller than the ring necks, but mu
Is, faster in flight and more beautif
is and deserve a place on any presery'
he In conclusion, l beg to state II
zee have some thirty years experlen
mp and am in fact practical game kee
N. er, having learned and studied +
ps estry and management of game OF
kinds under the former German
perial government If gives char
eet tc prove my capabilities, I can pro
hell and show results
fnl Very respectfully,