Cold tolerance of Himalayan (Impeyan) pheasants?

[patandchickens]

Saw one the other day, it was the most gorgeous bird I have ever seen. Wowie.

For my husband's sake, please tell me they require heat during the winter.... although of course *I* would prefer to hear that it would be fine down to 15-20 F indoors...

Anyone know?

Thanks,

Pat

 

[Lophura]

Quote:
This is a mountainous species that can handle quite cold temps. No heat would be needed during the winter. They can develop health issues in humid warm regions.

http://www.gbwf.org/pheasants/monal.html

Dan

 

[AkTomboy]

There is a young man in Fairbanks who has around 9 pairs. He keeps them in a semi heated garage.

 

[patandchickens]

So how cold is "quite cold" or "semi heated garage", do you think?

Pat

 

[Lophura]

Quote:
Here in MO, Impeyans have been kept outdoors (with wind breaks) in temps down to -10 F. It is a natural-mountainous bird and the heat/humidity is the killer with this species.

Dan

 

[patandchickens]

Oh really? Hmmm! We get colder than that, but I could put them in the chicken building (which doesn't get very cold, due to thermal mass etc) or build something up against the house to 'share warmth'.

Hmmmmm.

So, any idea, would this be something that would be a bad "first pheasant" species for a person, or could someone with a willingness to learn, and attention to detail, probably keep them alive without having kept any other gamebirds first?

Thanks,

Pat

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

They are from the Himalayan mountain range. So cold is no problem for them. These are one of the more pricey birds though. I would never house them in a chicken house. They need a pen just for themselves, 1 pair.
The are voracious diggers also, so be aware of that, just like all the eared pheasants.
If you were concerned with heat, just add a heat lamp in their house during the bad parts.