D.o. pallidus
18-22” long. Fairly large, chunky, powerful birds, as grouse go. They favor the higher mountain tops in winter, typically 6000-8,500’ elevations, eating mostly Douglas fir needles and some white fir and lodge pole needles. Once the breeding season commences in mid-March, they move down mountain to their brooding areas, as low as the 3000’ elevation.
Blue grouse are very tame and pleasurable to work with. They are not as sensitive as spruce grouse, but good husbandry is still required. We feed Mazuri maintenance pellets and give fresh-cut dandelions, of which they love the yellow tops. Also, they get fir bows and cut up cranberries coated with Vionate mineral powder.
Production: 8 eggs average per clutch 21 eggs is the most
we have gotten from 1 hen
They will do well in hot climates if properly shaded.
