Our Process: Start to finish
At Platte River Ringnecks, we work efficiently to provide a home and habitat for our pheasants to be raised in. With hard work, dedication, care, knowledge, and specialized methods, we prep and develop the most sustainable environment that allows each bird to flourish and take flight to their next adventure.
The Start
The finish
01
Chick prep
Prior to the arrival of each season's chicks, we prepare each building. Brooder building houses our chicks up until 4 weeks of age. This area needs to be draft-free, weather-tight, and kept 100-95 degrees (F). Ring-shields are setup for the first week. Proper bedding is laid to ensure chicks wont swallow their bedding. Every building is thoroughly cleaned & disinfected 2 weeks prior to chick arrival.
03
Temperature weaning
We begin to wean chicks off of heat lamps gradually, starting at 3-4 weeks of age. The temperature outdoors plays a key factor into the weaning process. By 8 weeks of age, birds are acclimated to outdoor temperatures.
05
Flight Pen
At 8 weeks of age, pheasants are moved into the flight pen until they are sold. Our flight pen is planted every year with milo and corn. Gamebird feed is still offered: 20% protein up until 20 weeks & 14% protein 20 weeks & up
02
Chick arrival
Chicks arrive as early as April & no later than May. Each chick goes through the rearing process: beaks dipped in water & placed into their ring-shield under the heat lamp. Chicks are highly monitored, especially for the first week. We monitor to make sure chicks are staying warm, eating, & drinking. Any 'weaker' chicks will be noticed & treated. All chicks are given 30% medicated protein feed. This feed is given until 6 weeks of age.
04
Take flight
Pheasants begin to develop flight feathers around 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, pheasants are moved to our 'flight-prep' building. This is their last building before going out to the flight pen. Blinders are applied between 4-8 weeks of age to reduce cannibalism/aggression. We setup dividers to help the chicks from overcrowding, and during the day they get access to the outdoors (if weather permits). In the afternoon, chicks are moved back indoors to finish out the day. Temperature weaning is still active at this time.
06
New adventure
Pheasants can be sold at 8 weeks of age, but for a more successful survival rate, the more mature the better for pheasants.
New adventures for our pheasants consists of dog training, release onto private land to aid in population growth, private hunts, & occasionally to reside at a new home as a farm 'pet'.
"The fields are calling, answer with platte River Ringnecks!"
"Pheasants that elevate every outdoor pursuit"
