Description
Silver Pheasants (Lophura nycthemera) are an ancient breed from the mountains of China and Southeast Asia. They are quiet and hardy, making them easy to raise and therefore a good choice for the beginning pheasant keeper.
Description
The Silver Pheasant male (cock) may take up to two years to achieve its stunning black and white pattern, with red legs and a bare red area around the eyes. The female (hen) is mostly olive-brown, and has red legs. The chicks look similar to the hen.
| Average | Male | Female |
| Weight | 3.5 lb | 2.5 lb |
| Length | 47 in | 35 in |
Habitat
Forests and thickets in the mountain regions of China and Asia make up the Silver Pheasant’s natural habitat. This active bird requires an aviary of at least 200 square feet with plenty of shrubs and high roosts to imitate their forest habitat.
The aviary must be predator-proof and provide protection from heavy rain and hot sun. Silver Pheasants are extremely cold-hardy and require minimal winter shelter.
Diet
The natural diet of the Silver Pheasant consists of berries, seeds, grains, greens, and insects. In captivity, they require a gamebird ration supplemented with leafy greens, scratch grains, and a source of protein such as mealworms, earthworms, and dried insects.
The hens need oyster shell or other calcium supplement, free choice, for strong egg shells. Chicks should be fed a high-protein gamebird starter. Both chicks and adults need fresh, clean water available at all times.
Temperament
Silver Pheasants are usually calm and peaceful unless startled. While they are not typically aggressive, they do become territorial during breeding season. Spending time near their aviary helps them habituate to humans.
Lifespan
Silver Pheasants are hardy, tough birds when provided with clean space, proper nutrition, and health care that includes parasite control. Their average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years.
Breeding
Female Silver Pheasants begin breeding at 1 year, males at 2 years. One male may breed with several females.
- Breeding season: February through May
- Clutch size: 6 to 15 eggs
- Egg color: Off-white to light brown
- Incubation period: is 25 to 27 days
Cackle Hatchery® also offers Ornamental Pheasant Chicks and Mature Pheasant Pairs.
We can not ship grown fowl to Minnesota.
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