Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasant Chicks
Hatch May to July.
Ringneck Pheasants are one of the most popular of all game birds for hunting, sporting, raising for release, and dog training. These Manchurian Cross Ringnecks are a cross between a male Pure Manchurian Ringneck Pheasants and a high-quality female Ringneck Pheasant. The addition of the Pure Manchurian Ringneck genetics creates Ringneck Pheasants that are particularly wild-natured. Manchurian Cross Ringnecks are more successful when released into the wild, and they are more challenging and exciting for sporting reasons as well.
These Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants look very similar to the common Chinese Ringneck Pheasant in both size and coloration. They have a slightly more wild appearance, but their wildness is mainly evident in their performance and behavior. They are hardy and vigorous birds. Manchurian Cross Ringnecks are also excellent flight birds and make exceptional sporting birds.
Range: The pure Manchurian Ringneck parentage is originally from wild birds' eggs collected on the edges of crop fields in Jilin Province in Northeastern China.
Habitat: These Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants will do very well in most areas of the U.S. Prime habitat would consist of between 55-70% crop fields such as soy, corn, wheat, or other grains. The rest of the surrounding habitat should include diverse environments including grassland, wetland, brushy edges, and woodland with trees for roosting.
Status in the wild: Ringneck Pheasants are very common and widespread around the world.
Status in aviculture: Manchurian Cross Ringnecks are in high demand. They are raised mostly for sport but also for meat. These birds do well when released. They instinctually roost in trees at night and are savvy at avoiding predation.
Breeding: Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants have been successfully released and have been bred and naturalized. The breeding season is from February to June depending on climate and temperatures. When attempting to populate your land, we suggest releasing your hens at least 3-4 weeks before the onset of the breeding season. This will give them plenty of time to become comfortable with their surroundings. Clutch size is typically 6-12 eggs. Incubation takes 23-26 days.
Lifespan: In captivity and with good husbandry, Ringneck Pheasants can live 10-15 years.
Size: Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants usually weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs. Males can measure between 24 and 32 inches long. Females are smaller in general and measure about 20 inches in total length.
Housing Requirements: Plenty of spaciousness is necessary for raising pheasant to avoid tail and feather damage and to avoid fighting and pecking. They fly well so a top would be needed. Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants are hardy and do well in cold climates, but some sort of shelter against storms and snow should be provided as well as protection against predators.
Diet: A quality game-bird ration would be an appropriate diet for Manchurian Cross Ringneck Pheasants in captivity. They are solid foragers when released.
Miscellaneous Notes: Even if the sport isn't your purpose, Manchurian Cross Ringneck are great ecosystem members and make a lovely addition to woodlands and fields.
