Things You'll Need:
- Pheasant Chicks
- Enclosure large enough for chicks
- Heat Lamp
- Bedding reccomended for fowl
- Chick-start or other feed for young poultry
- Water Container big enough so that all chicks can reach and shallow that they won't drown
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Step 1
Before you even think about getting any live animals you'll want to ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have an enclosure that the chicks can not hop out of?
( if you find they can a bit of chicken wire over the top does wonders)
Do I have a properly positioned heat lamp and good ventillation?
( Small chicks lose body heat very quickly)
Have I bought chick feed and is it recommended for starter chicks?
Do I have a feeder that will give access to all the chicks?
( a large bowl works, but you have to watch that they don't defecate in it, if they do clean it immediately)
Do I have a waterer that the chicks cannot fall into?
( If you cannot get a chick waterer you can use a small bowl but make sure they cannot drown)
Do I have bedding for these animals?
Most importantly-- Do I have time?
If you answer no to any of these questions you MUST take whatever means necessary to fill the need. Each one of these requirements is hugely important in the welfare of your chicks. -
Step 2
You'll want to get some Red Golden Pheasant chicks. I would recommend 1 cock to every 4 or 5 hens. You can purchase chicks from hatchery's through catalogs, internet or in person if you're so lucky. Shipment on chicks can be very hard, so if you're going to have them shipped, call the customer service line before you order and ask about their shipment. If the agent doesn't seem to know or be solid in their answers move on, you don't want dead or sickly chicks and the chicks don't want to die.
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Step 3
Have your enclosure ready for when the chicks arrive. You'll also want to make sure on the expected date of arrival and plan to be home. You don't want your chicks sitting in the post office or on your front step until you get home, do you?
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Step 4
When your chicks have arrived open the box and pull them out carefully one by one. Inspect each chick by pushing on the top of each foot to make sure the toes are working and undamaged. Then check for any mucous around the eyes or nostrils. Chicks should be able to stand, run and hold their heads up on their own. If they can't do that then they're sick. Do not place any sick animals in the enclosure with the healthy chicks.
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Step 5
Set the rest of your chicks in their enclosure, making sure they have food and fresh water. Tend to the chicks for a few weeks until they have their pin feathers in. During this time you'll also want to watch them because they are working on their pecking order and fights can erupt. During most situations they will work it out on their own, but if any of the chicks becomes damaged in their arguments separate them!
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Step 6
So you're chicks are now pullets and cocks. Ready to go out on their own. Make sure that you have a chicken coop or a free space for them. You'll also want to be able to let them out to roam. PLEASE ENSURE THAT THEY CANNOT GET OUT TO THE ROAD.
You've taken great care of your babies and you don't want them to become pavement. -
Step 7
In about april the hens will begin to lay eggs. They will lay 8-12 eggs at a time and it takes approximately 22-23 days for incubation.
Be careful not to disturb their nests as new mothers have a tendancy to abandon nest. Also, new mothers will sometimes abandon their chicks, at which point you'll have to catch them up and become mother to them. I have also seen other hens without chicks take care of abandoned ones, so watch them carefully and if they're motherless more than a day take them out of the area. -
Step 8
You're chicks have grown, and now you're the proud mother/father of Red-Golden Pheasants! CONGRATULATIONS!
