Ringneck Pheasants

[robert41]

My first hatch of Ringnecks is now 4 weeks old. I have hatched them to be set free around my farm How old should they be before I set them free. If anyone can give me some information on this I would appreciate the advice.
Thank you,
Rob Ewing

 

[Quantum673]

Rob,
I have been reading a lot on this subject. I am raising around 100 this year to release as well. There seems to be 3 main beliefs in the timing of release. Not sure which is the best but I will list each with what I have read are the advantages.

8 weeks old - Main benefits are that the birds are still young enough to quickly adapt to wild environment. Also gives birds a couple months to get accustomed before hunting season opens.

16 weeks - Older therefore more hardy to changing temps of the fall. Food in fields and such still plentiful.

Following Spring - Spring food abundant. Birds are fully matured and hardy. Will have all spring and summer to acclimate to wild environment before hunting season opens. Beginning of breeding season increases the chance that some birds may breed together.


I will release half my birds at 16 weeks and keep the other half until spring.