Rearing our own chicks

[Royd Wood]

We have taken delivery of day old ringneck pheasant chicks for the past 2 years but going to try breeding our own this year. We saved 4 cocks and 20 hens. Plan is to have 4 pens and see if the hens in one pen will sit and use the incubator for the other pens. Any tips please on nesting material ??? boxes ????? Do the hens get broody like chickens ???? Your help on this subject would be great
Kind Regards in advance
Andy

 

[JJMR794]

Hi ANDY,

Yes they will go broody in most cases. as far as nesting material, they usually just set on the ground in a hollow the hen will create. Nest boxes can be tried but will have mixed results. Alot of folks use many different items--- bushel baskets split in half, buckets with the lid--- entry holes cut in the lid, small drums or barrels in the same manner as buckets, potting containers, brush piles, or your own nest box creation! Structure is key to broody gals---- What ever you can get them to use "brush it up" good. many are happy as can be with a good thick brush pile to get in and under for nesting areas. In some cases(rare, but happens) Dad will go broody and set the nest. I would let Mom and Dad do the work if possible.... The hens can lay quite a few eggs each, and if they wish to brood them let 'em. You'll need the bator space for the ones that dont go broody!

 

[Mahonri]

How I wish I could live on my farm and raise ringnecks.

 

[Royd Wood]

Many Thanks for that JJMR
Will let you know how it works out with a photo or 2 - fingers crossed