Pheasant compatibility

[Alexander Howard Hattingh]

Hi all

I was wondering which ornamental pheasant species can be put together in a mixed aviary. I am getting satyr tragopans and would like to know if any other species can join them? My aviary is approximately 490 square feet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Alexander and Welcome to BYC. It is a general rule not to mix different species of pheasants in a mixed aviary. The possiblity of the different males fighting is great and they will fight until one of them is dead. Even hens have been know to fight.
As a rule you usually want birds that would occupy different areas of the aviary, ie; ground dewellers and perching birds.
Although it has been done, I wouldn't recommend doing it. You can keep Ruff pheasants in a mixed aviary fairly well but only if it's an all male bird aviary and a very large enclosure with plenty of perches, hiding places, shrubs, small trees, etc....in other words, lots of "pheasant furniture". Helps break line of sight from another aggressive bird. Also helps alleviate boredom. Another thing to keep in mind if you choose to do it, is to put both groups in the same enclosure at the same time. Preferable, one that is new to both groups. I do this and at night...that way when it gets light their all on equal ground, so to speak. Trying to introduce a new bird(s) to an enclosure with an established group of birds will almost always result in a blood bath.
These have been my experince with a mixed aviary. Im sure others will chime in and tell you their experinces. HTH

 

[Tony K T]

x2 great advice.Wow and to start with saytrs?What other breeds were you thinking of?Your best bet is like 007sean said,a aviary with all males and no females even near them.Why not build more pens and have multiple breeds?
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[007Sean]

"Wow and to start with Saytrs" that's exactly what I was thinking too! but to each their own. IMHO, the 490sq.ft. is just barely big enough for the Saytrs. Just thought Alex might benefit from my experinces without having to find out the hard way.
More pens and multiple species , as Tony said, is sound advice provided you have the space to build.

 

[Alexander Howard Hattingh]

Thanks so much for the advice!!! I will definately keep them apart. I actually have bred the ruffed pheasants numerous times and am only starting with satyrs now. Very exciting, but thought I'd do my groundwork first. I have had pheasants for approx 18 years now, but only feel ready to take on tragopans now. I have a few aviaries but only two are approx. 490 squares. I have heard of tragopan being peaceful and compatible with the ruffed birds but based on your feedback I'll stick to keeping them apart. To be quite honest I don't think I'll ever get too many pheasants and any opportunity to have more is tempting..... I really appreciate the feedback. I will take your advice

 

[Alexander Howard Hattingh]

 

[007Sean]

View attachment 1203190

Wow, nice aviary. Looks like you know what your doing. Yeah, if thats the enclosure you wanted to make as your mixed aviary? It would be too small for your Saytrs. Otherwise, really like the landscaping.

 

[Alexander Howard Hattingh]

Thanks. Yeah it's a portion of the aviary. I have removed all of the birds and currently put aside for the satyrs. It is bigger than what you see on the image but tried to show the idea if landscape. Can any other groundbirds like quail etc join them or is that a mistake? And smaller finches and doves? Will they disturb the tragopans or effect them negatively in any way? Thank you so much for the advice. I'm beginning to get a good idea of what to do going forward. Do you have pictures of your aviaries and birds?

 

[Alexander Howard Hattingh]

007 Sean one last question....
Can tragopan be kept in trios or would that be a mistake?

 

[007Sean]

007 Sean one last question....
Can tragopan be kept in trios or would that be a mistake?

They can be kept in trios.