Grit Availability and Pheasant Densities in Minnesota and South Dakota

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Abstract
Among 137 hen pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) collected by shooting during May and June, 1963, in four areas representing different gradients of pheasant abundance in Minnesota and South Dakota, no significant difference was found between areas in the quantity of grit consumed by laying hen pheasants nor in the relative calcium and magnesium content of this grit. Laying hens from all areas consumed about 50% more grit by weight than did nonlaying hens. The mean number of eggs laid per hen by mid-June did not differ significantly between areas at the 5% level. Grit of the size commonly used by hen pheasants was abundant on secondary roads in each area but was comparatively scarce in field soils of the loess soil area. There was more clacium and magnesium in the grit from roads in southeast Minnesota than in grit from the other areas because crushed limestone is used on roads in this area; glacial gravel is used in the other areas. Grit from fields of the loess soil area was comparatively high in calcium and magnesium, apparently because liming is practiced in this area. Pheasants can selectively pick calcium- and magnesium-bearing grit and differences in availability of these elements in the grit is believed not to limit pheasant densities in the areas studied.

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