Ecology and Breeding Biology of the Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia in Captivity
1. Breeding, artificial insemination, and rearing control
1986 Volume 34 Issue 4 Pages 105-125_2
Details
1986 Volume 34 Issue 4 Pages 105-125_2
Studies were made on breeding biology of the Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia vicinitas in captivity and in Tokachi and Kushiro districts, eastern Hokkaido, between 1983 and 1984.
(1) In wild state nests were found in coniferous forests, mixed forests of coniferous and broadleaved trees, mature larch plantations, fir plantations and bamboo grass lands.
(2) The nesting period ranged from early May to late June and hatching days were concent-rated in the 10 days from 15 to 26 June in 1984.
(3) The clutch size varied between 4 and 9 eggs with an average of 7. Only the female incubated the eggs.
(4) In artificial breeding mating behaviors such as display, chasing female, singing and copulation were observed. Nests were built within a day. During a period of 21 days, a total of 14 eggs were laid when 2 or 3 eggs were left in the nest each day.
(5) Fifty eight eggs collected from nests in fields, and 9 eggs obtained from the birds kept in captivity were incubated artificially. The hatchability in artificial incubation was 93% by using the incubator and 71.4% by using "chabo", a domestic fowl.
(6) Chicks obtained from 72 eggs were reared in captivity in 1983 and 1984. They reared up to 5 weeks of age in chick-rearing cages at 25°C. Rations of 13 to 19% crude protein were fed to them. Chick group-activities of walking and eating, and resting occurred alternately.
(7) The juveniles, from 6 to 15 weeks of age, were transferred in sunny rearing cages. They were reared in groups of 5 to 8 birds. A ration of 13 to 15% crude protein was fed to them. They exhibited such behvaior as preening and sand-bathing. Cannibalism also occurred often in this age.
(8) The adults, from 16 weeks of age, were reared in groups of 2 or 3 birds. A ration of 10% crude protein was fed to them from October to February. From March to June, the crude protein was increased to a level between 15 and 20%. Adults at 16 weeks of age showed clear distinction betwwwn sexes, and exhibited mating behavior such as display and singing.
