concerned

[designgirl]

I recently went to a home next to my friends home as she was caring for their garden and pheasant while they were on vacation. As I had been curious to meet the bird I had heard so many times cry out from across the fence I was greatly saddened as I saw a single male ( his female died a couple of years ago) alone with no interaction, beautiful tail feathers all over the bottom of the coupe. The water was green with algae, and he seemed sad. Now, I am no expert at pheasants and maybe I'm being too sensitive but my first reaction was animal neglect. Yes, he was fed seed, but that's about it. Please inform me if it's okay for a bird to live alone like this or I am going to contact the Humane Society. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

 

[addicted2pits]

 

[addicted2pits]

you can always talk to your friend first then if he doesnt care, then its up to you

 

[designgirl]

You see my friend was the one taking care of her "neighbors" yard and bird, yes she felt bad too, but we have no idea if this is neglect or if these birds don't require anything but a cage and food. I think she is concerned about getting "into it" with them since they are right next door, I however do not and would deal with this on my own.

 

[deserthotwings]

Being a single pheasant is not a good issue but not a sign of neglect. The tail feathers on the bottom of the coup is most likely due to his summer molt. Almost all my pheasants have lost their tail feathers and a lot of other feathers too. It is kind of like shedding on a dog or cat. He will regain his tail and beauty in the fall. The green alge water and lack of proper food is another matter. You might want to talk to the owner and if your not satisfied with his response then you could contact the local animal control or Humane Society.

 

[designgirl]

Thank you for your responses.
What should he be eating beside seed? I would love to give him a treat.

 

[pheasantfrenzie]

I agree with DesertHotWings,
They are in there molting time so that is natural. He should be fed a Gamebird Feeder. They can use seed as a treat but it has no nutrional value to it. Green Water can be caused by the sun but should really be changed often because many bugs love stagnet water.
I would also talk to the owner and explain your concerns and maybe they will change his living conditions without getting authorities involved.
Good Luck on Your Decision,
Patty

 

[flewdacoop]

 

[deserthotwings]

If he could get some turkey or gamebird food that would be great. Like Patty said, seed or scratch grain is just a treat. It would be like you living your life on pop corn. He needs some real food badly. Glad to see that you are taking an interest in his welfare.

 

[Tony K T]

Throw some fruit in there for him and some unsalted peanuts.No bird can refuse a peanut.The gree water shows that they go days without watering him.He should have fresh water every day.Maybe you could clean his bowl(do not use bleach)just wipe it out and give him a nice cold drink of gatorade.This will give him a boost of electrolytes and some vitamins as well.Why don't just ask them if you can take him home?
In N.H.,Tony.