Golden pheasants are undemanding as adults and as chicks.
Red golden pheasants, often known simply as golden pheasants, make undemanding pets. They rarely get ill; they breed readily; and, provided their basic needs are met, often thrive in aviaries. The chicks are little more difficult than the adults. Some bird owners actually employ golden pheasant chicks to teach the chicks of other species to use their feeders. Incubation of the eggs is straightforward; let the mother pheasant do it, transfer the eggs to the nest of a broody hen or use an incubator. Golden pheasant chick care is also simple.
Feeding
Golden pheasant chicks do best on a diet slightly different to that of their parents. Appropriate diets include commercial pheasant starter feeds, perhaps supplemented with chopped hard-boiled egg for extra protein. Provide the food in a chick feeder or shallow, spill-proof bowl. Some breeders provide a multivitamin in the chicks' water for the first week. After about 6 weeks, start adding adult pheasant pellets to the food, increasing the proportion of adult food over a few weeks until the chicks are on an adult diet. Pheasants also need an unlimited supply of poultry grits.
Housing
Appropriate housing that provides protection from the elements is necessary for all golden pheasant age groups, but especially the chicks. They are vulnerable to extreme conditions. Both adult golden pheasants and the chicks require a weather- and predator-proof house with a safe substrate or bedding, for example chopped straw. If you acquired chicks without their parents, they need a heated brooder for their first month.
Maintenance
Neither golden pheasants nor their chicks require special general care. Aside from supplying food and fresh water, your main tasks are regularly cleaning their enclosure and observing the chicks' behavior and physical appearance to spot any problems. A thorough clean once a week should be frequent enough. Shovel up droppings and soiled substrate; clean the enclosure with hot water and a non-toxic cleaner, such as dishwashing liquid; and add fresh substrate.
Potential Problems
In outdoor housing, be aware of the risk from predators. Animals too small to take a pheasant might see the chicks as delicious little snacks just waiting to be eaten. Potential predators of golden pheasant chicks include all those that might attack the adults, such as foxes, and a range of smaller carnivores, including cats, weasels and even rodents. Check the pheasant housing is secure and that no unwanted visitors can squeeze in. Bear in mind that animals as small as weasels and rats can get through very small gaps. A fine mesh is necessary. Register with a vet who has experience with poultry or game birds shortly after you acquire your pheasants. Local breeders should be able to recommend such a vet. In the event that your pheasants act strangely, refusing to eat or showing any physical signs of illness, make an appointment with the clinic as soon as possible.
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