What do you feed a baby pheasant?

Answered by Willian Lymon

When it comes to feeding baby pheasants, it is crucial to provide them with the right nutrition to support their growth and development. One of the best options for feeding baby pheasants is a 30% protein medicated gamebird or turkey starter feed. This type of feed is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of young birds.

The high protein content in the starter feed is essential for the rapid growth and development of baby pheasants. Protein is necessary for muscle and tissue growth, as well as for the production of enzymes and hormones. By providing a feed with a 30% protein content, you can ensure that the pheasants are getting the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

It is important to choose a medicated starter feed for baby pheasants. This type of feed contains a coccidiostat called Amprolium, which helps prevent coccidiosis. Coccidiosis is a common intestinal disease in young birds caused by a parasite called coccidia. The inclusion of Amprolium in the feed helps to control and prevent this disease, ensuring the health and well-being of the pheasants.

When selecting a medicated starter feed for baby pheasants, it is crucial to check the label to ensure that it contains the appropriate amount of Amprolium. A good medicated starter feed should have 1 lb. of Amprolium per ton of feed. This ensures that the pheasants are receiving the right dosage to effectively prevent coccidiosis.

In addition to the protein and medication, it is also important to consider the form of the feed. Baby pheasants should be fed a crumble form of the starter feed. Crumble feed is finely ground and easier for the young birds to consume. It is also less wasteful as it reduces the chances of spillage and loss of feed. The crumble form allows the baby pheasants to easily pick up and eat the feed, promoting healthy feeding habits.

Feeding baby pheasants with the appropriate starter feed should start as soon as they hatch and continue until they reach six weeks of age. This period is crucial for their growth and development, and providing them with the right nutrition is essential for their overall health and well-being.

In my personal experience, I have raised baby pheasants and found that feeding them a 30% protein medicated gamebird starter feed in crumble form yielded excellent results. The pheasants grew steadily and developed robustly, showing no signs of nutritional deficiencies or health issues. The inclusion of Amprolium in the feed effectively prevented coccidiosis, ensuring the overall health of the birds.

To summarize, when feeding baby pheasants, it is important to provide them with a 30% protein medicated gamebird or turkey starter feed. This feed should contain 1 lb. of Amprolium per ton of feed to prevent coccidiosis. Feeding them a crumble form of the feed promotes healthy feeding habits and reduces waste. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that baby pheasants receive the necessary nutrition for optimal growth and development.