General Characteristics of Pheasant Breeder Rearing

Abstract

Although pheasants in the wild form produce 1-2 natural hatching eggs only in the spring months, strains has egg production above 170 were developed with breeding in today. Similarly, by choosing birds with high slaughter weight and high body conformation, genotypes for meat production could be formed. Similar to other farm birds in pheasant farming, care and feeding conditions should be meticulously performed in the first 3 weeks of age. It is recommended that 25-30 birds can be placed in m2 in the first 4 weeks, while 1-1.5 birds are recommended in adults. They should be considered as omnivores in their feeding, especially if they are released into free-range. Sex determination in pheasant daily chicks is very difficult and experience work. The selection of pheasants to be breeders is very important for successful production. Breeders should be selected among the first hatched chicks in spring, not battered, not molting, shedding and attractive, having a well developed body and feather structure, and having a appropriate body weight according to the genotype. The average male to female ratio should be 1:7. Egg production from pheasants, which started in the spring months, can be drawn to the beginning of winter by improving environmental conditions such as artificial lighting, feeding and housing in order to get eggs in all seasons of the year. Artificial insemination is necessary due to the decrease in male pheasants' libidos for some period. In order to ensure optimum performance in breeding, healthy flocks should be established and breeders should be fed in accordance with nutrient needs. It is aimed to maximize the number of chicks per female by increasing the egg production and fertility rate with the correct management of the breeders.