Pheasants

Pheasants are hardy birds that grace the landscapes of the most continents in the world. In the United States, they are mostly raised for release. These guidelines will give you the proper advice you need to ensure your new pheasant flock a healthy start!

1. The brooder house for pheasant chicks should be weather tight, free from drafts and rodent proof. Clean and disinfect your brooder house at least a week or two before the birds are to arrive so it is clean and dry. Use an enclosure of 12 to 14-inch-high cardboard chick guard to form a draft shield and to keep the birds from having corners to pile in. Use a 3-foot circle for up to 50 birds and a 5-6 foot circle for 100 birds. Baby pheasants NEED 100 DEGREES to start. Red 250-watt heat bulbs work well, at least two for each 100 birds. Lower the temperature about 5 degrees a week.
2. Use 1 one-gallon plastic fount for 35 birds and up to 3 – 4 for 100. Putting marbles in the water will help the birds find the water and prevent them from getting in the water and getting wet or drowning. Put feed on feeder flats, egg flats or even paper plates for the first couple days so the birds find it easily. Regular metal reel feeders are fine after you take out the flats. Feed a 28% to 30% game bird or turkey starter. Do not use a chicken starter, as it does not contain enough protein. If you are going to release your pheasants add oats, cracked corn or weed seed to their ration at about 4-6 weeks so they can identify with these foods before release.
3. Use a course dry litter for your birds. Wood shavings or clean dry straw, free of mold can be used. If you use straw be sure it is chopped or flattened so the baby birds can get around. If there are fine pieces in the litter, it is a good idea to cover it for a few days with burlap or even an old bed sheet, do not use paper. Keep the litter clean and dry throughout the growing period.
4. At day old you should provide 1/2 to 3/4 square foot of space per bird. At 3-6 weeks they need one square foot and at 6-12 weeks 4 square feet per bird. Mature birds need 15-18 square feet of space. At 6-7 weeks of age the birds can go outside in the daytime in a covered pen. The outside air will help to condition the birds for release by promoting faster feathering.
5. Pheasants are very cannibalistic. Nearly all feather pulling or worse is caused by overcrowding. Stuffy, poorly ventilated brooder spaces will also contribute to the problem. If it starts, darken the room if possible. Cover windows and doors leaving only enough light for the birds to find the feed and water.
6. Between 6-7 weeks is a good time to release your birds. They should be fully feathered, this is very important. If they have back and head feathers missing they will not make it past the first rain storm. Good weather for the first 48 hours after release is important.