 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
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While being chicken-like in shape, the Grey or Sonnerat's Junglefowl is particularly distinctive for its cape or neck hackles of a whitish-yellow coloring, and an almost waxy appearance and feel. These feathers were and indeed are still much sought after by flytiers for tying many of the most famous trout and salmon flies. Demand led to a dramatic reduction in their numbers, and since 1968 all export of the birds and their feathers has been banned from India. They come from the southern part of the country where their normal altitude range is from 2,000 to 5,000 feet (600 to 1,500 meters).
Their summer molt is interesting because they go into an an "eclipse" plumage in which they lose their long tail feathers and their neck hackles are replaced by short, black feathers. This phase lasts approximately two months.
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| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) sanded, or 200 sq. ft.(18.5 m2) with grass base |
| Status in captivity | Reasonable, but vulnerable |
| Full adult plumage | Second year |
| Egg clutch size | 4 - 8 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 20 - 21 days |
| Feeding Habits | As for poultry |
| Special note | Although heat is not required in winter,
a good dry shelter is important. Chicks sometimes need a little extra care and attention in feeding (mealworms, etc.) |