Abstract
(1) One cock-pheasant and four hens, 151 days of age, were subjected to gradually increased night-lighting from October 5 to December 5. (2) Breeding plumage and behavior was assumed within eight days and first egg laid by one hen on November 8. (3) Eleven eggs were laid by one hen before cessation on November 28. The other four hens failed to lay, probably because of more nervous temperament and frequent disturbances. (4) Of ten eggs set on November 29, three hatched at 26 days of incubation on Christmas day, one completed incubation but failed to hatch, and one developed till the egg was broken at two weeks. This is 50 per cent. fertility and 30 per cent. hatch. (5) Both sexes therefore were completely activated at 185 days of age, with chicks hatched 138 days earlier than normally. (6) It is possible to get pheasant eggs at any time in autumn, winter and spring and have chicks hatched and reared for liberation whenever desired if warm brooder houses are used.
Published Version
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