How to Breed Ringneck Pheasants

The ringneck pheasant is also termed the common or true pheasant. These attractive game birds originated in China and arrived in North America in the late 18th century. Ringneck pheasants obtain their adult plumage and begin breeding at the age of 12 months. Male birds will breed with numerous females, which lay between 40 and 90 eggs per year. Ringneck pheasant eggs take 24 days to incubate. These are hardy pheasants and not difficult to breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Secure, covered pen with well drained soil
  • Shrubs
  • Game bird pellets
  • Water trough
  • Indoor brooder
  • Disinfectant
  • Straw litter
  • 250-Watt infra red lamps
  • Thermometer
  • Card board draft rings
  • Game bird or turkey starter crumbles
  • Outdoor grow out pen
  • Feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct a secure pen. Dig out the ground within the pen and fill it with well drained soil. Cover the pen with netting to prevent birds of prey and other predators from gaining entry.

    • 2

      Purchase eight hens and a single male bird or cock.

    • 3

      Plant shrubs or other types of vegetation in the middle of the pen to offer the birds shelter if required.

    • 4

      Provide a good quality game bird pellet and clean water at all times.

    • 5

      Allow the hens to incubate their eggs, as natural incubation negates the need to purchase incubators and the time required to turn the eggs numerous times daily

    • 6

      Disinfect an indoor brooder area and allow it to dry. Allow at least 0.25 square foot per chick, until the young birds are 2 weeks old. Thereafter, allow 0.75 square foot per chick.

    • 7

      Place straw litter on the floor. Paper should be avoided, as the chicks will slip on its smooth surface and develop deformed legs.

    • 8

      Suspend 250-Watt infrared heat lamps over the brooder area at the rate of one lamp per every 100 pheasant chicks. Ensure that the bulbs are approximately 18 inches above the floor.

    • 9

      Position a thermometer on the floor and regulate the height of the lamps, so that the temperature on the floor is between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 10

      Place a cardboard draft ring with a diameter of 4 feet under each lamp. The draft ring can be up to 18 inches high. Remove the chicks after they have hatched and place them into the draft rings.

    • 11

      Feed the chicks on game bird or turkey starter crumbles, and supply fresh water at all times.

    • 12

      Move the chicks to an outdoor grow out pen, when they are 6 weeks old. Allow up to 20 square feet per pheasant at this age.

    • 13

      Change the chick's diet to a 20 percent protein growth food at 6 weeks of age.