New pheasant

[Quailobsessed]

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!

I do this with my quails and other birds, but with the pheasant, I tamed him by bringing him inside and spending time with him. He seemed to work in the opposite way that most other birds do. But it could be tried.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

He’s still flighty, but Doesn’t freak out when someone is in his eyesight like he used to. He’s willing to come right next to me. Not to the point of feeding or such, but progress! I’m surprised I made it this far with him.
He has also gotten extremely close with my rabbit. He cuddles with him and my rabbit grooms him, they are inseparable now.