Appreciating the Red Jungle Fowl

Well, I do not know how to appreciate the beauty of the Red Jungle Fowl. The feathers, colouration, voice etc. etc., but I am learning and in due time when I get to compare more specimens, probably I could get better at it. Anyway, as a start, the fluffy soft feathers (bulu kapas) at the rump is a desirable trait ;)

Making of a Chicken Coop 2

These Red Jungle Fowl roosts on tree tops in the wild. So I have decided to add in a perch for them to feel more at home. They took to it immediately. Perch was given by Lawrence, a 7.5 feet long stick with nice texture. Planned to use it for the breeding pair of Shamas but decided against it as I do not want to disturb them. What with good signs that they have been paired nicely.

Finally decided to have a temporary roof of a simple plywood. Of course it wouldn't last in our weather, but it should serve its purpose for the time being.

Making of a Chicken Coop 1

Well, chickens are not meant to be kept in rabbit cages. So, with that in mind, I began a quest to build a larger cage (should call it chicken coop). Took me a couple of weeks to get it all together. From visioning in mind where on earth to put it down to getting to the hardware store to buy the materials and then finally to stitch the pieces together. Hope it can last for a couple of years.

The above pic is of the pair of Red Jungle Fowl testing out their new house this morning. No roof yet. Haven't figure out how I want it done ;)

Hybrid Squirrels

Since I am talking about the Common Tree Shrew that looks almost like the squirrel, I got into a discussion with a friend regarding breeding of animals for the pet industry. It seems all other countries are ahead of Malaysia in that aspect. Interestingly, I got to know that a neighbouring country has successfully developed a squirrel hybrid (3 different colouration actually). Haven't seen it, but has placed an order for one just out of curiosity.

Any serious conservationist would be aghast at hybridisation of any species. Especially if a particular species is already declining in numbers. Do hybrids occur in nature? Seems there has been observations of the Yellow-vented Bulbuls crossing with Red-whiskered Bulbuls in the wild. Personally I have not seen it, but it seems plausible. Especially when the Red-whiskered is quite difficult to find and mating with a close cousin could be an option.

Lets see how these hybrid squirrels looks like. Hope they don't end up like the Flower Horns of yesteryears.