Ringneck Pheasant

Ringneck Pheasants originated in China. They have beautiful, brightly colored plumage with long tails. Ringnecks mature at about 23 weeks of age and will yield two pounds or more of dressed product. They are a very popular game bird and many are purchased for release and future hunting. Ideal does not hatch pheasants, and therefore, have them drop shipped from their supplier.

Ringneck Pheasant

Physical Description

• Male: Features iridescent copper and gold plumage, a distinctive white ring around the neck, red facial skin, and a green head with a small crest.

• Female: Mottled brown with pale scales, providing camouflage in their natural habitat.

Habitat & Range

Ring-necked Pheasants inhabit grasslands, croplands, and areas with dense vegetation such as hedgerows and marshes. They are permanent residents in suitable habitats and have been successfully introduced in regions like the Pacific Northwest since 1881 .

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, roots, berries, and insects. Their diet varies seasonally, with increased consumption of insects during the breeding season to provide necessary protein .

Reproduction

• Breeding Season: March to June.

• Nesting: Females build ground nests in dense cover, laying 10–12 eggs.

• Incubation: Performed solely by the female for 23–28 days.

• Chick Development: Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and becoming capable of short flights by about 12 days .