Thinking of getting pheasants

[michickenwrangler]

DH and I have been thinking for several years that we would like to get pheasants.

What kind of housing does everyone have for theirs? We live in northern Michigan, we get snowy and temps down to -30. There are wild pheasants around here, BTW though more in fields and scrub than our dense cedar swamp.

Do ALL the pheasants need blinders or just a few?

Can anyone recommend a good book to help get us started?

Thanks

 

[Tony K T]

What breed?There are over 40 species of pheasants.The only ones that have blinders are ringnecks because they are overcrowded and they are cannibals.
My favorite book is Pheasants of the World by Keith Howman.This is a very good picture book with info.An excellent pheasant site is www.gbwf.org.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[solarquail]

this might help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=228628

 

[kikescove.com]

They need some sort of shelter to get out of the elements, this can range form a little hut to a full fledged coop. Depending on your climate, there are several that would do better than others. You may gander at the goldens or silvers as great starter pheasants. Other breeds are as easy, but these are also beautiful and cheap. Generally shipping will cost you more than the bird. If you incubate, eggs are really a cheap way to go. You will see many warnings about keep ing pheasant stock with poultry stock. These warnings are good warnings, but they aren't cut in stone if you have a healthy flock. If you have a bantam that likes to hatch things and is a good momma, get some eggs, and see what happens. The goldens will act just about like chickens if momma chooses to raise them. Warning, this is addictive and the next thing you know you will have 30 or more pens in the backyard. ; )

 

[michickenwrangler]

We were thinking ringnecks. DH wants to eat them and possibly release or sell to bird-doggers. There is a pheasant 4-H club here which we may get our daughter in if she shows interest. Our county fair is pretty lame in this county but one thing they are not lacking is pheasants!

 

[kikescove.com]

remember that if you raise the gamebirds, you often have to get a license from your game department or state. Most of the time exotics you do not. Eating them is fine, but releasing or selling them you can get busted for it.

 

[kartking22]

kikescove.com :

remember that if you raise the gamebirds, you often have to get a license from your game department or state. Most of the time exotics you do not. Eating them is fine, but releasing or selling them you can get busted for it.

Try going to this site. It might solve all of your potential problems.
http://www.Michigan.gov/documents/dnr/IC_2563-1_Game_Bird_Hunting_Preserves_234722_7.pdf​

 

[michickenwrangler]

MiDNR is sending us the permits!

Any other book or magazine recommendations?

 

[Charliet]

the game bird gazzette is a good magizine if they can get back on track and send them out on time

 

[kikescove.com]

Agreed, the Gamebird Gazette is a nice magazine for picking up ideas.