Pheasant showed up- keep or don’t keep- what would you do?

[lomine]

I came home to find a Yellow Golden Pheasant in my barn coop. I’ve got a neighbor who has peacocks (have heard them) so I thought I’d check with them. Turns out he belongs to them but they let him roam. The rest of their birds are in runs so I believe he’s an extra male. I asked the neighbor if I should just let him go. His was response was sure or “you can keep him if you want.”

I don’t know much about pheasants but I can tell he’s mature and he looks to be in good shape. So I’m guessing he’s done well roaming so far but there are predators and dogs all over our area. I don’t like the idea of just letting him go.

I could set up a place for him but I’d need to get females. I posted in a local FB group but so far no one has any Yellow Golden females. I didn’t ask about Red Golden, would they be okay too? I did find a hatchery that could ship some Monday but that would be pricey.

So, what would you do?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

@007Sean cam answer your questions!

 

[007Sean]

Just hold on to him until you can find some hens. He'll need at least 24% protein feed, gamebird feed, or turkey starter, if that's all you can find in your area. A 10' x 10' enclosure will be big enough until you get more hens.
If you run Red Golden hens with him or Amherst hens, you'll have crosses....goldens will cross with several different subspecies of pheasants.

 

[lomine]

I have gamebird feed from my quail so I gave him some of that. Right now he’s safe in the quail run while they are in the barn. I had to move them after a huge storm filled their run with snow. Was going to move them back today and then this happened.

If I decide to keep, the pheasants would go in the dog run the old home owner left. It would need a solid roof and some modifications. I think it’s 10 by 30 if I remember correctly. Would that be good for a trio?

I’d rather not have crosses so I guess I’ll keep looking for Yellow females.

 

[007Sean]

I have gamebird feed from my quail so I gave him some of that. Right now he’s safe in the quail run while they are in the barn. I had to move them after a huge storm filled their run with snow. Was going to move them back today and then this happened.

If I decide to keep, the pheasants would go in the dog run the old home owner left. It would need a solid roof and some modifications. I think it’s 10 by 30 if I remember correctly. Would that be good for a trio?

I’d rather not have crosses so I guess I’ll keep looking for Yellow females.

Glad to hear you say you don't want crosses. Yes, a 10' x 30' enclosure is ok for a trio. Once you have a sheltered area for them they will do fine. The gamebird feed is fine, too!
If need more questions answered don't hesitate to ask them.
ETA - any treats your giving to your quail won't hurt your pheasant, either.

 

[fur-mum]

WOW! So pretty! I had no idea

 

[lomine]

The females available from the hatchery are listed as juvenile. Would it be okay to put them in with a mature male?

I’m leaning toward keeping him. He is a gorgeous bird. I’ve looked at getting pheasants in the past but never went through with it. Him showing up might be a sign that it’s meant to be.

 

[lomine]

I did toss out a bunch of mealworms and BOSS for him. I figured it would help him get used to being locked up.

 

[007Sean]

The females available from the hatchery are listed as juvenile. Would it be okay to put them in with a mature male?

I’m leaning toward keeping him. He is a gorgeous bird. I’ve looked at getting pheasants in the past but never went through with it. Him showing up might be a sign that it’s meant to be.

If I were you....I'd keep him where he is until you have some hens to go with him. In the mean time get your pen ready for them, put them in the 'new' pen together, preferably at night, that way they are all on the same 'footing', so to speak. The reason for this method is that if he's been in the pen by himself, he will regard it as 'his territory' and will fight to defend it, regardless if the 'intruders' are hens.
This is how I introduce 'new' hens to my single adult males. All I have to do is just move them one pen over from where they were and they don't consider it 'their' territory anymore! The reason for night time transfer is because they are easier to catch, less stress and they all 'wake up' to a new home. I've had no fights over territory using this method.

 

[007Sean]

I did toss out a bunch of mealworms and BOSS for him. I figured it would help him get used to being locked up.

That's fine, I do the same with mine...just not alot and not everyday. Also, some greens to munch on is good.