Friendly Ringneck Pheasant?

[SilverPhoenix]

I had some ringnecks that I raised from day-olds that I tried to tame. Alas, it did not work. Their wild instincts were too strong. The female got somewhat friendly, to where I could approach her and watch her, but she would never approach me of her own choice and hated being handled or touched. The male was just completely wild and hated captive life. Ultimately, I ended up releasing them somewhere way out where no hunters are allowed.

 

[featherbaby]

Quote:
One of my 'dream' birds is the male red-golden pheasant. I have seriously considered getting one or more males to keep as pets. How large an outdoor enclosure would I have to have for 3?

Will 3 males raised together without females be compatible?

What would I have to do to protect them from winter freezes (I'm in Jacksonville FL where we get a few days in the high 20s and several weeks in the 30's each year).

I have silkies now, in pens, not free range so I'm not new to birds but have never had pheasants. I want to be able to pick them up and hold them or ride them on my shoulder. Is this a realistic goal?

Are they typically calm, aloof or agressive to people?

thanks for the info...

 

[deerman]

Quote:
3 Little high for dayold ringneck, you should be able to get a golden around that price

 

[Tony K T]

Yes,you can have as many males in one cage as long as they are not crowded.Not just 1 breed,males from all species can be housed together as long as there are no hens near them.Pheasants can handle cold weather,well most species,firebacks and peacock pheasants require heat in the colder months.but you need a place where they can get out of the elements with no drafts can get to them.Your realistic goal might be a little disaapointing.You can tame them,but to have them ride on your shoulder,I don't think they will.Not saying it can't happen,but I doubt they will.
In N.H.,Tony.
Quote:
One of my 'dream' birds is the male red-golden pheasant. I have seriously considered getting one or more males to keep as pets. How large an outdoor enclosure would I have to have for 3?

Will 3 males raised together without females be compatible?

What would I have to do to protect them from winter freezes (I'm in Jacksonville FL where we get a few days in the high 20s and several weeks in the 30's each year).

I have silkies now, in pens, not free range so I'm not new to birds but have never had pheasants. I want to be able to pick them up and hold them or ride them on my shoulder. Is this a realistic goal?

Are they typically calm, aloof or agressive to people?

thanks for the info...

 

[user66647]

The friendliest pheasants I have are from the genuis lophoura, also known as the 'gallo' pheasants. Reeves, (when they're not chasing you), are also pretty nice.

whoops, put this in the wrong thread

 

[featherbaby]

Thanks for the info Tony, I think you are right. From what I read and understand, they are still wild game birds and not likely to be human friendly. How large an enclosure should I have for 3?

 

[Tony K T]

My pens are 6x12x 8,they are a little small,but the birds still breed good so I guess the size is good.Goldens tend to be tamer then other species and if you greet them with treats everyday,they will soon be eating out of your hand.They do not like to be handled,but will tame down.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[BlooRooster]

From my experience even if you do get a ringneck somewhat tame (which I think is gonna be VERY hard to do) you had better watch out for him when its breeding season. The ones I have stay pretty calm in the winter but when spring rolls around you better keep your eye on him when you go in the pen even if there is no females with him.

Red golden would be a much better choice to tame even if you have to look harder. I treat all my birds the same. I go in the pens to feed them once a day and never try to touch them but I am always around them and watching them. The ringneck go crazy when I come in the pen and as I said, in breeding season will try to fight me. I have to watch and make sure I don't step on the goldens when I go in the pen with them and I haven't had one try to fight me yet either.

 

[chickenzoo]

I have a very tame Ringneck hen, named Socks. I raised her from a chick. She will come up to me and eat from my hand, she knows her name and come if I call her. She is not a cuddily, loved to be held bird, but is quite tame for a ringneck. Also have an old male that is very nice. Goldens are very friendly and enjoy coming up to see what I'm doing.

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
EXACTLY I HAVE A JUMBO MALE THAT WAS HAND RAISED AND SPOILED BY MY DAUGHTER... NOW THAT HE HAS HIS OWN HAREM AND TASTED THE GOOD LIFE HE'S BIG MAN ON CAMPUS.... DANGEROUS MALE JUMBO RINGNECK WITH ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOO FEAR OF HUMANS.... IT CAN GET UGLY.

SO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT!

THE RUFFED ARE YOUR BEST "PET QUALITY" BIRDS IF THAT IS YOUR GOAL. THO I HAVE HEARD STORIES OF VERY PERSONABLE SILVERS AS WELL THEY ARE UNCOMMON COMPARED TO RUFFED SPECES.