Thinking about getting into pheasants...

[redsoxs]

I need some help so I thought I should go to the experts - all of you on this forum. I am not new to poultry but have zero experience with pheasants. So I hope you will excuse my ignorance on the subject. I am interested in raising them to eat so I would be grateful to any information on this following questions:
1. What breed grows reasonably fast to a reasonable size?
2. How long until maturity?
3. Are there special concerns for raising pheasants that you don't have when raising chickens?
4. Do you clip their wings?
5. If you free range them are they long gone?
As you can see, I know less than nothing about the topic so please help! Thank you!

 

[chickenzoo]

The only pheasant that I know of that are used as a food item are Ringneck pheasants. Most others are too pretty , rare or pricy...... Hehe
Pheasants are much flightier than a chicken, you don't typically free range them as most times they will keep going.... It's their nature. Most people don't wing clip pheasants.
Jumbo Ringnecks are the bigger version of the regular type of Ringneck.
Pheasants require more space than chickens, if kept in too small an area they will canabilise each other....a higher roof or top net to keep them from hitting their heads when scared is best also. It is best to keep them away from other poultry as pheasants are more susceptible to diseases than chickens. They require more protein than most chickens also.

 

[redsoxs]

Thanks for the info, chickenzoo - you've given me a lot to think about. I appreciate you taking the time.

 

[chickenzoo]

Happy to help. I don't raise any to eat, so others may have more info on that aspect. I do have Ringnecks...but only to enjoy visually as i do my ornamental peasants. A lot of species are pretty easy to raise if you follow some standard pheasant guidelines. If you decide on any ornamental to keep as pets...they are very enjoyable that way also. Also make sure in your state the pheasant species is allowed.

 

[WaterFowl209]

Yeah don't mix pheasant with chickens they have a bad habit of cross breeding which sounds strange but it happens

 

[SSTupperware]

Cross breeding? I'm new but I thought most birds kept to them selves- chickens and humans...

 

[chickenzoo]

Guinea fowl and chickens can breed, or guinea and peafowl..... Not seen many chicken x pheasant crosses...
Pheasants can breed with other species of Pheasants which is frowned upon mostly, because breeders want to keep each of the species pure.

 

[WaterFowl209]

Here's a vid of pheasant breeding with a chicken

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