Anybody got any experience with ringneck pheasants?

[General-Tso]

Hey guys. I was thinking about possibly getting some ringneck pheasants eventually at some point in the far future but I had a few questions about them out of sheer curiosity. I’ve never had much experience with ringnecks outside of hunting season so any response is greatly appreciated.

1. Can they live with or around chickens/turkeys? I’ve heard some people say yes and some people say absolutely not so I’m curious as to what you think.

2. How loud are they and how bad do they smell?

3. How often and how many eggs do they lay?

4. I know pheasants cant free range but will they use a coop in a similar manner to chickens? As in like return there to sleep every night. Or do they prefer to roost in their run/ sleep on the ground?

5. Are pheasants in any way cleaner than chickens?

6. Are they aggressive? Can they be friendly/tame or are they just flightly by nature even when handraised? Also how is their temperament in comparison to other pheasant species?

7. Do they require supplemental heat in the winter?

 

[nuthatched]

@007Sean

 

[Love Donkeys]

Check and see if you need a Game Bird license in your state. I think you might need more square feet per bird, Pheasants seem to be very nervous.

 

[Love Donkeys]

@007Sean

Your quote references Guy Fawkes Day, the 5th of November. The Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

 

[nuthatched]

Your quote references Guy Fawkes Day, the 5th of November. The Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Well, considering that the 5th of November was a few days ago....it's a little more than a coincidence that it's my current signature. :]

 

[muddy75]

1) It’s not ideal to house them with chickens or turkeys as it can result in disease or other losses. (I’ve done it, but there is a huge risk)
2) the crow is just as loud as a rooster but different sound. Smell is dependent on number of birds and run hygiene but similar to chickens and other poultry
3) Females will lay a few eggs per week during season which is April-September
4) they will not use a coop but prefer to roost on the ground or low branches
5) because they don’t use a coop, they could be considered cleaner than chickens
6)temperament is individual but hand-raised birds can be very friendly
7) they tend to acclimate well to cold weather and are native to colder climates. I did provide wind breaks and straw for them during winter.

 

[General-Tso]

1) It’s not ideal to house them with chickens or turkeys as it can result in disease or other losses. (I’ve done it, but there is a huge risk)
2) the crow is just as loud as a rooster but different sound. Smell is dependent on number of birds and run hygiene but similar to chickens and other poultry
3) Females will lay a few eggs per week during season which is April-September
4) they will not use a coop but prefer to roost on the ground or low branches
5) because they don’t use a coop, they could be considered cleaner than chickens
6)temperament is individual but hand-raised birds can be very friendly
7) they tend to acclimate well to cold weather and are native to colder climates. I did provide wind breaks and straw for them during winter.

Thank you!

 

[Catastrophic]

Just want to put my input, but are you sure you want ringnecks? I’ve had them in the past and they are definitely the wildest of all the pheasants, I’d personally recommend goldens for beginners in that they are very friendly and easy to raise out of all the pheasants. I’ve kept them with chickens and turkeys and there are definitely disease concerns to take into consideration but I’ve done it and give them dewormer every month because I love to see them all together and try to prevent any outbreaks. Regardless, I wish you luck with your future pheasants!

 

[General-Tso]

Just want to put my input, but are you sure you want ringnecks? I’ve had them in the past and they are definitely the wildest of all the pheasants, I’d personally recommend goldens for beginners in that they are very friendly and easy to raise out of all the pheasants. I’ve kept them with chickens and turkeys and there are definitely disease concerns to take into consideration but I’ve done it and give them dewormer every month because I love to see them all together and try to prevent any outbreaks. Regardless, I wish you luck with your future pheasants!

Thank you lol. Ringnecks have been one of my dream birds for a long while. I will look more into goldens though they seem to be a lot more difficult to come across in my area. But yea ty again for your advice!

 

[007Sean]

Ring necked pheasants are one of the more aggressive species of pheasants.
If given adequate space, ( at least 25 sq.ft./bird) they are no more smelly than any other poultry. No they will not return to a coop to roost. They are ground dewellers and will usually roost on the ground, every once in awhile they may roost in trees or on branches or perches in their enclosures. They can be tamed down somewhat but will always be weary of human contact.

If you raise them with other poultry, you're just asking for trouble...they can be very aggressive to other poultry, very susceptible to diseases from other poultry, especially chicken diseases.
They usually are not very vocal, except, during breeding season, usually April to July, sometimes as long as August.
Ringnecked pheasants are seasonal layers/breeders. On average, ringnecked hens will lay between 25 to 40 eggs per season. Not feasible for meatbirds or a consistent source of eggs.

Ring necked pheasants can handle quite cold/fridged weather with ease, as long as they have a dry, draft free area to get out of the inclimate weather. Wet, cold, muddy conditions will kill a bird just as readily as a disease.
HTH