D.c franklinii
15-17” long. Fairly small bird some times known as the fool hen. They live in the western U.S. in higher mountain elevations, typically above 5000’, in lodge pole forests near the edges of bogs with some larch and white spruce trees. In summer, spruce grouse feed heavily on blueberries and their leaves and on grouse-whortle berries. As fall approaches, they tend to favor the yellowing larch needles, switching to jack pine as winter approaches.
These birds are incredibly tame and are pleasurable to work with. Good husbandry is a must as they are sensitive to bacteria.
We feed Mazuri maintenance pellets and offer plenty of jack pine bows as well. We also give cut cranberries coated with Vionate mineral powder.
Production: 5-8 eggs average per clutch
The male Franklin spruce has a larger, glossy, jet black tail with 12 white spots. They do not respond well to hot climates. They prefer to live in a cooler climate unless you make indoor arrangements for them in the heat of the summer.
