does anyone breed pheasant in wire floored cages.?

[drowe005]

I've got an extra 30 square foot rearing cage that I have, being 40 inches tall in the front, and 30 inches in the back, that I was hoping to keep a breeding pair of ringneck pheasants in after the rest of the birds are gone. Does anyone else raise their breeders in cages? Or is everyone else just raising in flight pens? I was also wondering if Ringnecks are first year egg layers? So if my chicks are 2 weeks old now, would they lay this year with natural light? Or are they going to have to wait till next spring? Thanks

 

[pheasantfrenzie]

Hello,
Don't know about the pen but as far as your chicks go you will have to wait until next year for them to start to lay eggs.

 

[Tony K T]

What are the exact dimensions of your pen?30 or 40 inches high will not work.They need to roost and they like to be as hi as they can get to roost.At 40",you are inviting racoons to the dinner table with nothing to stop them.They can reach threw and pull your birds right threw the wire.For ringnecks which are canibals,you need as much room as you can give them.A wire floor will be healthier,but pheasants love to sand bath and forage.I find that building your pens tall enought for you to walk thru.Mine are small,but big enough so they work.On ringnecks each state also has regulations,so you would need to check with your local fish and game to be up to standard for your area.
I've attached a pic of my aviary.Each pen is 6'x12'x8' at the pitch.
In N.H.,Tony.

I've got an extra 30 square foot rearing cage that I have, being 40 inches tall in the front, and 30 inches in the back, that I was hoping to keep a breeding pair of ringneck pheasants in after the rest of the birds are gone. Does anyone else raise their breeders in cages? Or is everyone else just raising in flight pens? I was also wondering if Ringnecks are first year egg layers? So if my chicks are 2 weeks old now, would they lay this year with natural light? Or are they going to have to wait till next spring? Thanks

 

[drowe005]

I guess I didn't describe it too well so I might add that the cage is built 3 feet off of the ground. Exact dimensions of the living part of the cage as looking at if from the front are, 10 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and an average of 35 inches high (this is due to the slant of the roof) ; all of which have 6 legs attached elevating the cage at 3 feet above the ground . Caging is made of 1/2" X 1/2" HC for the floor and 1/2" X 1" HC for the front; the back and most of the 2 sides are covered with plywood. Ill add pictures if I get the chance

 

[Tony K T]

Even at 40"hi,it doesn't leave the male much room to do his thing when breeding season arrives.The pen is much to small for breeding.It would make a nice grow pen for the juveniles.The 2 week old chicks will not lay until next year,and yes they do produce the first year.The male will have his full color by fall.I strongly believe in hardware cloth everywhere,top and sides.An apron around the perimeter is also necesary at least 18" out from the bottom of the pen.I lay mine right on top of the grass and hold it down with tents stakes.This allows to mow the grass right over the wire.Just make sure the wire is not sticking up.As you can see in the pic,you don't even notice the wire apron.
In N.H.,Tony