Keeping pheasants as pets is becoming increasingly popular, however there are important considerations to take into account before bringing one of these beautiful birds into your home. Pheasants are traditionally ground-dwelling birds that inhabit woodlands and open fields, so providing the proper environment indoors requires careful planning. In this article, we will explore the key factors involved in keeping pheasants indoors, including housing needs, food and water requirements, handling and taming, potential health issues, and legal regulations. With proper preparation and care, pheasants can make interesting and rewarding companion birds.
Housing Requirements
Pheasants need ample space to move around comfortably. A single adult pheasant will require a minimum pen size of 6-8 square feet, while a breeding pair will need closer to 10-12 square feet. The pen should be enclosed on all sides to prevent escape, with a wire mesh roof to allow proper ventilation. Pheasants prefer to roost up high at night, so the enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate perches at least 5-6 feet off the ground. The floor can be covered with wood shavings, straw, or turf. Natural elements like branches, logs, and foliage can be added for enrichment. A nest box filled with hay should be provided for hens during breeding season.
The enclosure should be situated away from drafts and direct sunlight which can cause temperature stress. Like all birds, pheasants are sensitive to fumes and odors so placement away from kitchens, bathrooms and cleaning chemicals is advised. Access to an outdoor area or aviary is ideal to allow natural light and fresh air. The outdoor space should have shaded areas and brush for hiding.
Space and Enclosure Recommendations
- Minimum 6-8 sq ft for single pheasant
- 10-12 sq ft for breeding pair
- 5-6 ft high perches
- Wire mesh roof for ventilation
- Substrate options: wood shavings, straw, turf
- Provide nest box, branches, foliage
- Outdoor access ideal
Food and Water
A balanced pheasant diet consists of:
Pheasant feed – Commercially available game bird or turkey starter feed works well. The feed should have 16-24% protein.
Greens – Leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce should be provided daily. Finely chop the greens to make them easier to eat.
Fruit and vegetables – Small pieces of fruit like apples, berries, melon and vegetables like broccoli, sweet potato.
Insects – Live mealworms, crickets or frozen cricket powder to provide natural protein.
Grit – Ingesting small stones helps pheasants grind and digest food. Commercially available grit mixes are available.
Calcium-rich foods – For laying hens, offer oyster shell and a cuttlebone to provide extra calcium.
Treats – Offer small amounts of cracked corn, barley, sunflower seeds or chopped nuts as an occasional treat.
Fresh water should always be available in a tip-proof dish. Change the water daily. Metal dishes are more hygienic than plastic.
Diet Recommendations
- 16-24% protein game bird or turkey feed
- Daily leafy greens
- Fruit and chopped vegetables
- Live insects for protein
- Commercial grit mix
- Calcium supplements for breeding hens
- Treats like corn, nuts in moderation
- Fresh water changed daily
Handling and Taming
Pheasants are naturally skittish and will require regular, gentle handling to become accustomed to their caregivers. Start by hand feeding treats and speaking softly to get the bird comfortable with your presence. Avoid grabbing pheasants from above which can cause a panicked reaction. Instead, coax them into a smaller catch pen to pick them up from below, supporting the body fully. Limit handling to about 10-15 minutes at a time.
With regular, positive interactions most pheasants will become quite tame and may enjoy sitting on a lap or arm. However, males may become aggressive during breeding season and should be handled carefully. Providing interesting objects like swings, tunnels and mirrors can provide enrichment without extensive handling. Gentle interactions from a young age are key to raising friendly, companionable pheasants.
Taming Tips
- Hand feed treats and speak softly
- Avoid grabbing from above
- Use small catch pen for secure handling
- Support body fully when picking up
- Limit handling sessions to 10-15 minutes
- Provide swings, tunnels, mirrors for enrichment
- Start positive handling young
Potential Health Issues
Captive pheasants can face a variety of health issues, most commonly:
Obesity – From overfeeding and lack of exercise. Monitor weight and restrict high fat treats.
Parasites – Both external lice and internal worms. Use虫 periodic deworming and antiparasitic dusts.
Bumblefoot – Painful bacterial infection of the foot pads. Keep enclosure clean and dry.
Respiratory infections – Bacterial and fungal infections are common. Ensure proper ventilation.
Stress-related issues – Feather pecking, aggression, fearfulness. Give enrichment and space.
Routine veterinary checkups are recommended to monitor for potential issues. Know the signs of illness including lethargy, appetite changes, coughing or wheezing, limping, and discharge from eyes or nostrils. Quarantine new birds for 30-45 days before introducing to an existing flock. With attentive care, most pheasants will remain healthy and vigorous well into old age.
Common Health Issues
- Obesity
- Parasites – worms, mites, lice
- Bumblefoot
- Respiratory infections
- Stress-related problems
Legal Regulations
In the United States, pheasants fall under the captive wildlife regulations set by each state. Most states require a permit or license to possess pheasants in captivity. Typically, the regulations only apply to native gamebird species. So common ring-necked pheasants, which were introduced from Asia, may be exempt from permit requirements in some regions. However regulations can vary widely so check your local and state laws before acquiring a pheasant.
Pheasants are often protected under animal welfare and humane treatment laws as well. This means owners must provide adequate housing, food, water and overall care. Adhering to minimum space requirements, proper diet, clean living conditions and attentive health monitoring is imperative. Additionally, pheasant owners should be aware of local noise nuisance policies regarding early morning crowing. Failing to comply with applicable regulations could result in penalties, fines or confiscation of birds.
Legal Considerations
- Permits required for native gamebirds
- Ring-necked often exempt as non-native
- Regulations vary locally so check laws
- Must adhere to animal welfare standards
- Watch for noise nuisance policies
Key Considerations Before Owning Pheasants
Here is a summary of the key points to consider before bringing home a pheasant:
- Need large enclosure, minimum 6-8 square feet space
- Require specific high protein pheasant diet
- Regular gentle handling required for taming
- Prone to certain health issues like bumblefoot
- Permits may be required depending on regulations
- Sensitive to temperature, ventilation issues
- Early morning crowing may cause noise complaints
- Males may act aggressively during breeding season
While pheasants make unique and appealing pets, they do require specialized care and housing. Be certain you can make the necessary commitment before obtaining one. With proper consideration and preparation, a tame pheasant can be an enjoyable companion.
Conclusion
Pheasants can adapt to life as indoor companion birds with careful planning and commitment from their owners. By providing ample enclosed space, a healthy diet, enrichment objects, gentle handling from a young age, and attentive health monitoring, pheasants can thrive indoors. However, prospective owners should thoroughly research their local laws and be prepared to obtain any required permits or licenses. Noise nuisance from early morning crowing should also be considered. While pheasants are beautiful, quirky birds, they have complex needs not suitable for all owners or living situations. With sufficient knowledge and preparation though, the joys of keeping pheasants indoors can certainly outweigh the challenges.