Pheasant breeding

[lee miller1]

Hi I just had a question. In one of my ring necked pheasant flight pens one of the roosters is showing spring breeding signs. I have 18 or so hens with 3 roosters. I was planning on taking one out to a different pen during spring breeding time so there wouldn’t be too much aggression. Anyway we haven’t got any snow yet and one of the roosters is starting to show spring breeding characteristics. His wattle has tripled in size along with his horns, he now chases off the other roosters, and he has been displaying to the females. Is this normal in December? It usually get around 10 degrees at night. Both the other roosters look normal.

 

[007Sean]

Yeah, Im in South Texas and mine started displaying in October....and still do sporadically. Depending on how big your pen is, and how many places you have for the other pen mates to hide from the aggressor, you may want to seperate them now. Better to play it safe.

 

[lee miller1]

Ok awesome! Thanks! Also is there anyway I could boost the other pheasants size? I am feeding them game bird matinance feed. Would game bird grower with the higher protein boost up their size or tail length?

 

[007Sean]

Higher protein feed is better for their overall health. Their egg production will be better, their offspring stonger at hatching and their feathers will be in better condition.
As far as size and feather length, that has more to do with genetics.

 

[lee miller1]

Ok thanks again!

 

[BobDBirdDog]

Might want to consider seperation of the cocks, I lost two due to the recent battles.