Pheasants and Chickens

[Welshies]

So I have 2 coops which adjoin onto a 450 sq ft run area- 150 sq ft of that is a seperated run (beside the chickens) under a roofed shed. That is the extra coop's run, which is 48 sq ft.
I've been looking at getting another species to focus more on profit with.
I came to rest on either quail or pheasants. I have had quail before in this coop, there were many escapees (as they are so small). I would like to try pheasants.
I am pretty much 100% set up for pheasants, although I do need to cover the run area.
I live in Alberta where temps get down to -30° in winter, and I know pheasants are hardy but I have heard they can't coexist with chickens... is that true? They would be seperated from the chickens but share a fenceline, and I am wondering if diseases might thwart my efforts.

 

[JaeG]

All game birds are prone to catching diseases that chickens can carry. Chickens have been exposed to poultry diseases for a lot longer than game birds simply because they have been domesticated more intensely, so have a certain amount of immunity but they can still be carriers. Mycoplasma/Coryza is the most common. Even close proximity and a lax in your hygiene (not changing your shoes, or washing your hands between chickens and pheasants) can transfer disease. Even the wind blowing the wrong way can transfer disease.

This thread is a good read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pheasants-and-chickens-can-they-live-harmoniously.446919/

 

[Welshies]

All game birds are prone to catching diseases that chickens can carry. Chickens have been exposed to poultry diseases for a lot longer than game birds simply because they have been domesticated more intensely, so have a certain amount of immunity but they can still be carriers. Mycoplasma/Coryza is the most common. Even close proximity and a lax in your hygiene (not changing your shoes, or washing your hands between chickens and pheasants) can transfer disease. Even the wind blowing the wrong way can transfer disease.

This thread is a good read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pheasants-and-chickens-can-they-live-harmoniously.446919/

So I can't keep them close together? Darn it. Mind you, my quail were never killed by my chickens. I'll look at that thread.

 

[007Sean]

Nothing to add.....JaeG has explained it eloquently.

 

[Welshies]

Nothing to add.....JaeG has explained it eloquently.

I had quail before though who never died when kept alongside chickens

 

[007Sean]

I had quail before though who never died when kept alongside chickens

Don't mean to be blunt but consider that as very lucky. Quail are not as susceptible to diseases carried by chickens due to the fact of being in the domesticating process for a longer period of time than pheasants. A lot more breeders of quail have exposed their quail to chickens, therefore, inducing immunity to a certain degree.
Large pheasant hatcheries don't even allow their employees to have any birds of their own for fear of contaminating their entire operation. With pheasants, BIOSECURITY is an absolute must have priority.
With that being said, you may be able to raise them together or in close proximity but it's a ticking bomb. For me, it's a chance I just wouldn't want to take.

 

[Welshies]

Don't mean to be blunt but consider that as very lucky. Quail are not as susceptible to diseases carried by chickens due to the fact of being in the domesticating process for a longer period of time than pheasants. A lot more breeders of quail have exposed their quail to chickens, therefore, inducing immunity to a certain degree.
Large pheasant hatcheries don't even allow their employees to have any birds of their own for fear of contaminating their entire operation. With pheasants, BIOSECURITY is an absolute must have priority.
With that being said, you may be able to raise them together or in close proximity but it's a ticking bomb. For me, it's a chance I just wouldn't want to take.

Okay, sensible... but, what if I bought pheasants raised alongside chickens in my local area? They'd have built up immunity, would they not?

 

[007Sean]

Okay, sensible... but, what if I bought pheasants raised alongside chickens in my local area? They'd have built up immunity, would they not?

Maybe, maybe not. Those that recovered would still be carriers, and your not going to know that until too late, is that a risk you want to take?....was just giving you some sage advice. Another thing, a male pheasant will fight with any roosters you have in the same enclosure or even fight between a separation barrier. The rooster will lose, 9 times out of 10. Male pheasants, in general, are very aggressive, especially during breeding season and the hens are in proximity of the male.

 

[Welshies]

Maybe, maybe not. Those that recovered would still be carriers, and your not going to know that until too late, is that a risk you want to take?....was just giving you some sage advice. Another thing, a male pheasant will fight with any roosters you have in the same enclosure or even fight between a separation barrier. The rooster will lose, 9 times out of 10. Male pheasants, in general, are very aggressive, especially during breeding season and the hens are in proximity of the male.

Okay... In this case I will go with quail. Pheasant are expensive in my area and although they'd be good profit, I don't want to risk losing a bunch of time or money.

 

[007Sean]

Okay... In this case I will go with quail. Pheasant are expensive in my area and although they'd be good profit, I don't want to risk losing a bunch of time or money.

I'm not trying to discourage you, just want you to be successful in raising pheasants. They are very rewarding and at times down right frustrating. As far as profit, you'll be better off raising quail. Good Luck, where ever your endeavors take you!