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| | Pheasant
Breeder Management:
 The correct management of breeding stock can greatly
Conditions
vary widely as to the source of the breeding stock and the conditions under
which they are kept but certain basic principals need to be followed whatever
the circumstances.
Source
of breeding stock:
Ideally
all breeding stock should be overwintered in pens where they can be regularly
checked for signs of disease. Birds caught up at the end of the shooting season
as breeding stock are more likely to carry disease and this is particularly true
if birds from a variety of sources are mixed just prior to the breeding season.
Before entering the breeding pens all birds should be
checked and any birds with obvious signs of disease or those that are in poor
bodily condition suggesting some disease may be present should be rejected.
Birds from varying sources should, if possible, not be mixed but kept in
separate breeding pens as should new stock bought in from other farms.
Breeding
Pens:
Breeding pens vary considerably in size and
construction but there are a number
of basic principals that should be adhered to:
 | Allow
sufficient space for the number of birds |
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Provide
sufficient cover for the birds, both for egg laying and for birds to establish
their own territories so that bullying can be minimised.There should also be adequate cover for the birds in
inclement weather.
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Provide
sufficient food hoppers and water containers so that competition for food and
water is minimised. (A minimum of one food hopper and one water container per 15
birds)
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Maintain
a cock to hen ratio of between 1 to 6 and 1 to 8. Start with a higher ratio of
cocks to allow the removal of any that are bullied. This allows you to retain
sufficient cocks so that new ones do not have to be introduced once the pecking
order has been established.
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Nutrition:
Birds should be on a rising plane of nutrition up to the commencement of the
breeding season and hens should increase their body weight by about 15% between
the end of February and laying their first egg. It is important that the birds
receive a balanced diet and that they do not become too fat. Pre-breeder diets
are available or breeder diet may be introduced about two weeks before laying
commences.
Disease
control:
Preventing
sick birds entering the breeding pens by careful screening and preventing wild
birds having access to the pens are the two most important factors in minimising
disease in the breeding stock. Birds should be routinely wormed on entry to the
breeding pen and veterinary advice should be sought on the control of
Mycoplasmosis. Any birds that die should be submitted to your veterinary surgeon
for examination so that any diseases present may be identified and treated if
necessary.
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