Anybody got any experience with ringneck pheasants?

[General-Tso]

Ring necked pheasants are one of the more aggressive species of pheasants.
If given adequate space, ( at least 25 sq.ft./bird) they are no more smelly than any other poultry. No they will not return to a coop to roost. They are ground dewellers and will usually roost on the ground, every once in awhile they may roost in trees or on branches or perches in their enclosures. They can be tamed down somewhat but will always be weary of human contact.

If you raise them with other poultry, you're just asking for trouble...they can be very aggressive to other poultry, very susceptible to diseases from other poultry, especially chicken diseases.
They usually are not very vocal, except, during breeding season, usually April to July, sometimes as long as August.
Ringnecked pheasants are seasonal layers/breeders. On average, ringnecked hens will lay between 25 to 40 eggs per season. Not feasible for meatbirds or a consistent source of eggs.

Ring necked pheasants can handle quite cold/fridged weather with ease, as long as they have a dry, draft free area to get out of the inclimate weather. Wet, cold, muddy conditions will kill a bird just as readily as a disease.
HTH

Thank you

 

[raymondbest387]

1) It’s not ideal to house them with chickens or turkeys as it can result in disease or other losses. (I’ve done it, but there is a huge risk)
2) the crow is just as loud as a rooster but different sound. Smell is dependent on number of birds and run hygiene but similar to chickens and other poultry
3) Females will lay a few eggs per week during season which is April-September
4) they will not use a coop but prefer to roost on the ground or low branches
5) because they don’t use a coop, they could be considered cleaner than chickens
6)temperament is individual but hand-raised birds can be very friendly
7) they tend to acclimate well to cold weather and are native to colder climates. I did provide wind breaks and straw for them during winter.

I have been getting either a ring necked, or melanistic mutant, pheasant egg a day. It’s Nov 14, 2024 today. Is that a normal thing? The pheasants are about seven months old. I have close to 30 birds. I keep males and females together. The run is approximately 30’x20’ enclosure with a 6’x9’ coop. Should I have nesting boxes?

 

[muddy75]

I have been getting either a ring necked, or melanistic mutant, pheasant egg a day. It’s Nov 14, 2024 today. Is that a normal thing? The pheasants are about seven months old. I have close to 30 birds. I keep males and females together. The run is approximately 30’x20’ enclosure with a 6’x9’ coop. Should I have nesting boxes?

If it is the first laying season, you may get eggs beyond standard breeding season. So yes that sounds normal. My hens did use a nesting box occasionally so it wouldn't hurt to have one or more available. They just typically don't use a coop in the same way chickens do but they will use houses occasionally if available.

 

[raymondbest387]

If it is the first laying season, you may get eggs beyond standard breeding season. So yes that sounds normal. My hens did use a nesting box occasionally so it wouldn't hurt to have one or more available. They just typically don't use a coop in the same way chickens do but they will use houses occasionally if available.

Thank you for your reply. I have noticed not many birds use the coop. They usually hang out in the yard, and at night roost in the 2x4’s I set out as perches and around the pen. Again thanks for the help and reply.

 

[007Sean]

I have been getting either a ring necked, or melanistic mutant, pheasant egg a day. It’s Nov 14, 2024 today. Is that a normal thing? The pheasants are about seven months old. I have close to 30 birds. I keep males and females together. The run is approximately 30’x20’ enclosure with a 6’x9’ coop. Should I have nesting boxes?

That's unusual that they are laying only 7 months after hatching. Usually they will lay the following spring!...the 1st breeding season after hatching and not in the fall or winter.

 

[raymondbest387]

That's unusual that they are laying only 7 months after hatching. Usually they will lay the following spring!...the 1st breeding season after hatching and not in the fall or winter.

Yeah, that’s what I thought. I put one in an incubator, I don’t think it’s viable but will check in about a week to make sure. Don’t know if it’s one bird, or each one laying a single egg.

 

[007Sean]

Yeah, that’s what I thought. I put one in an incubator, I don’t think it’s viable but will check in about a week to make sure. Don’t know if it’s one bird, or each one laying a single egg.

Common ringnecked eggs will be a tan/beige color. Melanistics will have dark green eggs.

 

[Katie Grace 399]

Thank you lol. Ringnecks have been one of my dream birds for a long while. I will look more into goldens though they seem to be a lot more difficult to come across in my area. But yea ty again for your advice!

I found a hurt ringneck along the road last November. I've been keeping him in my house. I have a large dog crate with shavings. But during the day he's loose in my house. He's sweet and the only time he really squawks is in the morning when he first gets up. He's been a sweety with my cats and they don't bother him. I've read some negative things about them, but I think it's all in the way they are raised. He's lost one eye and doesn't seem to want to fly. I'm looking for a permanent human home for him.

 

[007Sean]

I found a hurt ringneck along the road last November. I've been keeping him in my house. I have a large dog crate with shavings. But during the day he's loose in my house. He's sweet and the only time he really squawks is in the morning when he first gets up. He's been a sweety with my cats and they don't bother him. I've read some negative things about them, but I think it's all in the way they are raised. He's lost one eye and doesn't seem to want to fly. I'm looking for a permanent human home for him.

I answered on your other thread!