Raising Pheasant

[Big_Holla]

Great thread!! Wonder if they are similar to chickens as when we closed them up in the winter they'd all peck each other over until we would separate some and even cage a few until spring and once they had room to roam they wouldn't bother each other much at all. Big pen with plenty of 'habitat' might be just what the Dr. ordered.

 

[motorbreaker]

I always released my pheasants just before the season opened. Never had any through the winter. It seemed useless as far as trying to help the pheasant population though. To damn many preaditors.

 

[Quantum673]

Great thread!! Wonder if they are similar to chickens as when we closed them up in the winter they'd all peck each other over until we would separate some and even cage a few until spring and once they had room to roam they wouldn't bother each other much at all. Big pen with plenty of 'habitat' might be just what the Dr. ordered.

They are much worse than chickens as far as pecking each other. They can be very cannibalistic if they are crowded or bored. Thing with Pheasants from what I have been reading is it is important to keep them occupied as well as giving them plenty of room. Hopefully the habitat I give them will keep them busy.

I plan to release approximately half right before season opener. This way the neighboring properties can have a shot at chasing a few. The rest I will hold until late winter (right before breeding season) then I will release them. I may find they are too much a pain in the arse and release them all.

Definitely not in this thinking I will be helping the population but if a few make it that is a bonus. This is mostly just something to keep me busy.

Received my application from District 5 Wildlife office for my permit. Will get it sent in this week.

 

[Big_Holla]

What else could you do to keep them busy? Just enough cover to hide from each other better and lots of grain to eat?

 

[Quantum673]

Spread alfalfa around so they have stuff to peck at. Evergreen branches to forage on.
Scratch feed. And give them brush and hiding places.

 

[giles]

Are you planning on doing hens and cocks? That'd be a way to hope for some to stick around.

Also, Jamestown…I think thats right up 72 from Cherry Bend. I'd think the 20-30 minute drive to go talk to them would be worth it. I've stopped to shoot the breeze with them, real good group of guys. I know the guy I bought this house from is always over there just to talk. They have a guy that lives on site.

 

[xbowguy]

Daylight is a problem for the chicks, the darker the better. I left the top open to go and get water once and there was 5 or 6 dead before I could get back. Daylight flips them out and once blood is in the air.......It's on!

 

[Quantum673]

Are you planning on doing hens and cocks? That'd be a way to hope for some to stick around.

Also, Jamestown…I think thats right up 72 from Cherry Bend. I'd think the 20-30 minute drive to go talk to them would be worth it. I've stopped to shoot the breeze with them, real good group of guys. I know the guy I bought this house from is always over there just to talk. They have a guy that lives on site.

I will be raising a 50/50 mix of Hens and Cocks.
Yep Cherry Bend is probably only about 15 miles from my house. It is on my list to go seek out their knowledge.

 

[Quantum673]

Daylight is a problem for the chicks, the darker the better. I left the top open to go and get water once and there was 5 or 6 dead before I could get back. Daylight flips them out and once blood is in the air.......It's on!

I will be only using red heat lights for the first 3 weeks. Keeping it as dark as possible in there to keep them settled.
I will also have peepers on hand in case I need to get in Picking under control. I hope to not have to use them but better to be ready than not.

 

[giles]

I will be raising a 50/50 mix of Hens and Cocks.
Yep Cherry Bend is probably only about 15 miles from my house. It is on my list to go seek out their knowledge.

Your pretty close to my house then, let me know if you need a hand with anything. I'm only 10 minutes in the other direction from 72&22.

 

[Quantum673]

Your pretty close to my house then, let me know if you need a hand with anything. I'm only 10 minutes in the other direction from 72&22.

Sure thing.

 

[Quantum673]

Got the Roof framed and up. Will stop and pick up the roofing material and a couple more pieces of OSB to get it all closed in.
Hopefully after tonight it will be ready to cut the door and windows in and be ready for siding.

Plan is to side it with rough cut lumber in various widths.

 

[Quantum673]

Roof is done. Siding is almost done.

 

[Quantum673]

Almost done. Was out of town for a while and with all the rain we have been having progress has been real slow.
Have 1 more piece of siding to put up then build the door.
After that I will put a few pieces of trim around the roof and screen in the top opening.
Hopefully be done tomorrow evening.

 

[brock ratcliff]

Looking good Jon!

 

[Big_Holla]

Great to see the project well under way!!

 

[Boarhead]

Looks great Jon!

 

[teej89]

looks awesome Jon!

 

[Lumber head 75]

Looks good Jon, hell of a job!

 

[Bigslam51]

Looks real nice, Jon!