We have been keeping chickens for a few years & want to try some pheasants this year.
Give me your best advise on pen design for mid-west environment...
What do you like? Dislike? If you could do it again, what would you change?
Research, research, research, and just when you think you are done, research some more!! You're doing right thing by asking
before getting the birds - so
a big thumbs up for that as it is so very rare!!!!!!
As Tony said, it all depends on the species you are interested in. Aviary sizes will vary for the various species. Check out species listing on the pheasant page at gbwf, all species are listed as well lots of links and plenty of book references. Once you've decided on a species, you will find plenty of folks who would be willing to give you advice.
My personal favorites are any of the genus
Lophura. Most of the species can tolerate Midwest winters well - the Silver & Swinhoe are excellent choices for a beginner to pheasant aviculture. When I kept these species, I had various sized aviaries, with the smallest being 8x16x6 that housed just a pair (and it was planted with shrubs before adding the birds) of Silver. If you are interested in conservation aviculture, it would be a challenge, but there are breeders with pure Silver races that are quite unique.
I like your question on what I would change.... I loved my pheasants and I hate that I no longer have them. If I could do it over again, and plan to, it will be just myself and son!!!
Dan
