Lady Amherst Pheasants Pair

Description

Lady Amherst pheasants (Chrysolophus amherstiae) are named after British naturalist Sarah Amherst, who first introduced them to England from Asia. These pheasants do well in both hot and cold climates. Because they are docile and easy to manage, they are perfect for beginning pheasant keepers.

Description

The Lady Amherst Pheasant male (cock) has black-and-silver plumage set off by a scarlet red crest, a metallic green neck, and a long black-and-silver barred tail. A distinguishing feature is the male’s black-and-silver cape, or ruff, which raises during courtship. Even young males show early indications of this distinctive cape.

The female (hen) has more subdued plumage of black, rust, and brown. The female is smaller than the male, and has a shorter tail. Both male and female Lady Amherst Pheasants have greenish legs. The chicks look much like the hen.

Average	Male	Female
Weight	1.75 lbs	1.5 lbs
Length	45 in	26 in

Habitat

The Lady Amherst Pheasant is native to dense mountainous forests of southwestern China and Tibet. In captivity they require a predator-proof aviary of at least 150 square feet per pair, providing sufficient space for foraging on the ground and enough height for brief flights. Although they are perfectly able to fly, they usually prefer to run on the ground.

Their pen should be enriched with shrubs for hiding and branches for perching. They do well in all weather extreme, but they do appreciate having a shelter that protects them from inclement weather and provides shade from the hot sun.

Diet

Lady Amherst Pheasants are ground feeders that subsist in the wild on grain, greens and invertebrates including insects, and snails. In a captive setting, feed them gamebird ration supplemented with leafy greens and fresh fruit. During breeding season, mealworms help boost protein. Insoluble grit is essential to aid in digesting roughage.

Oyster shell or other calcium supplement helps hens produce eggs with strong shells. Chicks are fed gamebird starter until about six weeks of age, when they can transition to gamebird grower. Clean, fresh water should be readily available for pheasants of all ages.

Temperament

Lady Amherst Pheasants are generally shy and cautious, typically preferring to hide when they feel threatened. However, the males can be aggressive and territorial during breeding season.

Otherwise they are non-aggressive and get along with other species such as doves or peafowl. Given time and patience, they can be hand tamed if handled when they are young.

Lifespan

These active birds remain hardy when provided with enough space to prevent stress. With proper management and nutrition, their life expectancy is 15 years or more.

Breeding

Lady Amhersts are the easiest pheasants to breed. They are polygamous, with one male able to breed up to 3 females. Hens usually lay in their first year, and prefer to nest in private with minimal disturbance.

• Breeding season: March through June
• Clutch size: 6 – 12 eggs
• Egg color: creamy buff
• Incubation period: 23 – 24 days

Cackle Hatchery® offers other pheasants including Ornamental Pheasant Chicks and Mature Pheasant Pairs

We can not ship grown fowl to Minnesota.