New pheasant

[Silkiechicken66]

So I just got gifted a juvenile golden pheasant male. What’s the best way to Socialize him? I’ve owned them before but never got them young, as they’ve all been rescues. Help appreciated, thanks!

 

[Cheychey222]

You should get some girls if you don’t have any. Maybe put him or her outside with some grass so he or she can look for bugs

 

[Quailobsessed]

What do mean by socialize? Do you mean you want to tame him or just make him happy in a good enclosure? He would be happy with a couple of girls either way.

 

[007Sean]

If you mean by "socialize" , that you can handle them, enter their enclosure without them trying to kill themselves, hand feed them, etc?....then interact with them everyday, multiple times a day.
It really depends on the bird, I have some I can pick up, handle and they don't get upset, others not so much.
It just takes alot of time and patience to tame them down but it is easier to "tame" them if you start with chicks and handle them multiple times a day.

 

[Quailobsessed]

If you mean by "socialize" , that you can handle them, enter their enclosure without them trying to kill themselves, hand feed them, etc?....then interact with them everyday, multiple times a day.
It really depends on the bird, I have some I can pick up, handle and they don't get upset, others not so much.
It just takes alot of time and patience to tame them down but it is easier to "tame" them if you start with chicks and handle them multiple times a day.

I have two golden pheasants I got when they were two years old. I handle the male constantly and give him treats to the point he sits on me without flying or getting upset. My female however, I was given for free because she is an egg eater and was very scruffy when I got her (I think she had a calcium deficiency). I didn't tame her that much when I first got her because I was trying to let her grow her feathers back. She is now not very tame, she'll let you hold her a little inside but catching her is difficult and she's not as tame as my male. I do agree though, taming from chicks is always easier and usually has a better result, but with enough patience and making a good impression from the start, you could tame him.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

I’m in the process of getting him girls, he’s kept right now with my rabbit. He was a gift from a friend and where she got him from didn’t have females, he was the last to sell from the batch.

I’ve been sitting next to the cage and not interacting, just getting him used to my presence. Anytime I’m there, I toss mealworms and treats like that.

 

[007Sean]

He may get tamer or he may not. There are too many factors involved to say for sure if this method or that method is the best way to tame a bird.
He will get tamer but to what degree is anyone's guess.
Oh, and another thing, introducing a new bird into "his" enclosure may or may not work...I've had some males attack hens I've introduced to their pen. Males become highly territorial.
The method I have used with success, is to introduce everyone together into a new enclosure (different from the one he's in now) at night. In the morning they are all on the same "footing" so to speak. They will form their own hierarchy in short order without too many arguments.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

He may get tamer or he may not. There are too many factors involved to say for sure if this method or that method is the best way to tame a bird.
He will get tamer but to what degree is anyone's guess.
Oh, and another thing, introducing a new bird into "his" enclosure may or may not work...I've had some males attack hens I've introduced to their pen. Males become highly territorial.
The method I have used with success, is to introduce everyone together into a new enclosure (different from the one he's in now) at night. In the morning they are all on the same "footing" so to speak. They will form their own hierarchy in short order without too many arguments.

I know it’s not an always will get tamer, just wondering what helps best.

I’ve introduced tons of pheasants and similar birds together for years, it can definitely be a pain.

Thanks!!

 

[Silkiechicken66]

I plan on introducing the girls, when I get them, at the same time he goes into the permanent enclosure. It’ll be new space for both.

 

[McBriec]

I have no experience with pheasants, but I imagine that they are much less domesticated than chickens. I have found that with chickens, coercive contact--ie picking them up against their will--only freaks them out and makes them more fearful. My most successful socialization protocol with chickens, feral cats, and semi-feral dogs, has involved me sitting on the ground and placing tempting treats in my vicinity and on top of my legs. Then the animals are approaching me while I am in a non-threatening position (since I am on the ground and therefore am less visually imposing). Only after they get comfortable approaching me do I initiate touching them in an under-hand manner. Hands coming from above typically cause a fear response that they are going to be preyed upon or trapped. Best of luck in socializing your new pheasant!