Unexpected pheasant chicks

[frankenchick]

My bro-in-law (bless his heart) ordered 30 pheasants thru TSC, not realizing they’d be day-old chicks. He thought he’d get them, keep them a while to get acclimated, then release them on their property. He has worked with the WHIP program, and his acreage is a wildlife paradise.

We have chickens and ducks, so he asked us to foster the chicks until he returns from a month in Germany.

I’m always up for an adventure, but know nothing about pheasants. Is there a good website where I can learn as we go?

 

[muddy75]

In the brooder, red light is best. Make sure it is predator proof and escape proof. High protein gamebird feed and fresh water and I think you have it. @007Sean may have additional advice

 

[007Sean]

My bro-in-law (bless his heart) ordered 30 pheasants thru TSC, not realizing they’d be day-old chicks. He thought he’d get them, keep them a while to get acclimated, then release them on their property. He has worked with the WHIP program, and his acreage is a wildlife paradise.

We have chickens and ducks, so he asked us to foster the chicks until he returns from a month in Germany.

I’m always up for an adventure, but know nothing about pheasants. Is there a good website where I can learn as we go?

Not to be a 'Debbie downer' but those chick's will not make it on their own if he releases them when old enough to release. They do not have the instincts to survive.
Other than that, they will need adequate space while brooding. Either a heat lamp or heat emitting ceramic bulb for warmth. It should be at one end of the brooder and adjusted to have a temperature at the chicks level of 95°F for the 1st week, the temperature can be reduced 5°F per week until fully feathered or the ambient temperature is 70°F or above. Need a warm end and a cooler end on the brooder(s). At least a 24% protein feed ration that is complete and balanced. Fresh, clean water and dry bedding, either Pine shavings or Aspen shavings.

 

[frankenchick]

Not to be a 'Debbie downer' but those chick's will not make it on their own if he releases them when old enough to release. They do not have the instincts to survive.
Other than that, they will need adequate space while brooding. Either a heat lamp or heat emitting ceramic bulb for warmth. It should be at one end of the brooder and adjusted to have a temperature at the chicks level of 95°F for the 1st week, the temperature can be reduced 5°F per week until fully feathered or the ambient temperature is 70°F or above. Need a warm end and a cooler end on the brooder(s). At least a 24% protein feed ration that is complete and balanced. Fresh, clean water and dry bedding, either Pine shavings or Aspen shavings.

By the time I got them, the 30 had dwindled to 8. I’ve had them since they were 2 days old, but now they’re 6 weeks and too big for the biggest cage I have. I’ve tried reaching out to sporting groups, including Pheasants Forever, but haven’t found anyone to take them, let alone anyone within 100 miles.

Everything I’ve read leads me to believe that they couldn’t survive on their own until about December—a terrible time to be a young pheasant.

Any suggestions?