 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
|
The Siamese Fireback has a large range throughout southern Indo-China where it lives in the bamboo and thick secondary forest from sea level to around 2,000 feet (600 meters). They make excellent aviary birds, and those bred in captivity often become very tame. In bygone days, they could be seen free range with their owner's poultry in many parts of Indo-China and Siam. They became known in Europe when the King of Siam sent a pair to the Paris Museum in 1862, and they were first bred in captivity in France in 1866. Although from a warm climate, Siamese Firebacks are remarkably hardy and tolerant of an average United Kingdom winter. They do, however, require a good wind-free shelter. There are no known subspecies.
They are the first of the firebacks for the beginner to attempt, although they usually take three years to mature. However, once mature, they breed freely, and the sight of the cock bird with red wattles aflame and whirring his wings to show the bright-yellow feathering, normally hidden by the wing coverts, is an ample reward for patience.
|
| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 150 - 200 sq. ft. (14 - 18.5 m2) |
| Status in captivity | Fair |
| Full adult plumage | First year, but a little duller |
| Egg clutch size | 5 - 8 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 24 - 25 days |
| Feeding Habits | Normal pheasant diet |
| Special note | Some heat in winter advisable |