Pheasant chicks - Need help to identify

[smoothmule]

I've never had pheasants. My farther in law had some ornamentals about 20 yrs ago but he's getting older and not really remembering much about them. I picked these 4 up at our local feed store. They originated from Cackle Hatchery.

I have been reading some of the more recent posts and guessing I have males because of the blue eyes and thinking they are Goldens of different types?? I know they are probably not the best but they'll be a fun start for me and if they do well, I may sell them and get a pair of some type that catches my eye but I would put up a really good pen and plant it heavily to create the correct type of environment for whatever breed I get. These chicks will be for learning so all comments are appreciated.

Thanks


Chick 1






Chick 2





Chick 3





Chick 4



Chick 4 would not open it's eyes for a photo, no matter what I did. It seemed to be stressed more by all the attention so I just stopped. The second I put it back in the cage, it was fine but it would actually drop it's head to one side like playing possum.

 

[Tony K T]

I've never had pheasants. My farther in law had some ornamentals about 20 yrs ago but he's getting older and not really remembering much about them. I picked these 4 up at our local feed store. They originated from Cackle Hatchery.

I have been reading some of the more recent posts and guessing I have males because of the blue eyes and thinking they are Goldens of different types?? I know they are probably not the best but they'll be a fun start for me and if they do well, I may sell them and get a pair of some type that catches my eye but I would put up a really good pen and plant it heavily to create the correct type of environment for whatever breed I get. These chicks will be for learning so all comments are appreciated.

Thanks


Chick 1






Chick 2





Chick 3





Chick 4



Chick 4 would not open it's eyes for a photo, no matter what I did. It seemed to be stressed more by all the attention so I just stopped. The second I put it back in the cage, it was fine but it would actually drop it's head to one side like playing possum.

No1 looks like a yellow golden,no 2 red golden,no 3 maybe cinnamon golden,no 4 maybe dark throated golden.It's hard to say with so many mutations around.You can tell better when they color out.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[smoothmule]

Thanks Tony. I'll post updates later, when there is more to see. How old are they when they lose these juvenile feathers?

 

[Tony K T]

Around 2 years old they should have their full adult plumage.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[Tony K T]

Didn't you ask the seller what species they are?
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[smoothmule]

Tony, I bought them at my feed store. They had no idea, they got them from Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon, Mo. I live about an hour from Cackle. I'm not a fan of them but these were cheap chicks, $5 each, and I thought it would be fun to learn by raising a few. The Cackle website listed a few breeds of pheasants but not very good pictures for identification.