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Ringneck Pheasant

The Ringneck is the most-stocked game bird in North America. Beautiful iridescent males with white neck rings, copper body, long pointed tail. Native to China; introduced to the US in 1881. Common hunt-preserve and stocking bird.

About this breed

Quick facts: Ringneck Pheasant

OriginChina - introduced to US 1881
Conservation statusCommon
Also calledCommon Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus
Adult weightCocks 2.5-3 lb, Hens 2 lb
Size classStandard game bird
Eggs per year~50
Egg colorOlive green-brown
Egg sizeMedium
BroodinessLow (domesticated lost it)
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelQuiet (cocks crow in spring)
Flight tendencyStrong flier - 50 mph bursts
Beginner friendlyNo

History & origin

Native to China. First released in Oregon's Willamette Valley in 1881 by Judge Owen Denny (US consul to China) - the founding stock for all American populations. By 1895 they were thriving wild in the Midwest. Today the state bird of South Dakota and the most-hunted game bird in 11 states. Hunt preserves stock 30+ million ringnecks per year for put-and-take hunts.

Personality & temperament

skittishflightywild-natured

Best for: hunt preserves, stocking, meat

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space5 sq ft per bird
Run space25 sq ft per bird
Roost bar12 in per bird

Space: Need covered flight pen - 10+ feet high. Cock fights are vicious - separate by week 12.

Feeding: Game bird starter 28-30% protein; grower 24%; finisher 18%.

Health: Susceptible to coccidiosis - medicated starter mandatory.

Climate: Zones 3-9. Tolerates extreme cold with wind protection.

Buying tips

  • Day-old chicks: order 50+ for hunt-preserve volume; commercial breeders ship in groups of 25.
  • Cocks need separation at 12 weeks or they'll injure each other and the hens.
  • Adult cocks: $20-50 each; hens: $15-25.
  • Confirm bird's origin - wild-caught vs. game-farm strain. Game-farm birds are friendlier handled.

Did you know?

  • State bird of South Dakota.
  • Hunt preserves stock 30+ million birds annually in the US.
  • Cocks crow in spring to attract hens - audible up to a mile.
  • Pheasant hens are excellent foragers and consume large numbers of grasshoppers.

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