The pheasant fattening stage typically spans from the first week of age up to 16–18 weeks. During this period, the birds experience steady weight gain, making it a critical time for proper management and nutrition.
To support healthy growth, feed should be carefully balanced with energy-dense ingredients. A recommended formula includes 40% Corn, 15% wheat, 20% roasted peas, 15% rapeseed cake, 5% wheat bran, 4% rice bran, 1% bone meal, and 2.5 kg of salt along with essential trace elements per ton of feed. Alternatively, commercial broiler growth feed can be used. Fresh water must always be available, and 10–20% green feed should be added to the diet for additional nutrients. Weekly sand baths are also beneficial—sprinkle a 2% trichlorfon solution in the sand to control external parasites.
Stocking density plays a key role in pheasant development. In the early stages (5–11 weeks), keep 10–12 birds per square meter. As they grow, especially when separating males and females, gradually reduce the density to 6–8 per square meter. Ensure enough feeding troughs are provided so all birds can eat evenly and grow consistently.
Perches and suitable housing are important for both space utilization and health. Place perches inside and outside the coop to encourage natural behavior, which helps prevent issues like feather pecking. In high-density environments, pheasants may develop aggressive behaviors or start pecking at each other. If any bird shows signs of injury, isolate it immediately and apply a purple ointment or camphor cream to the wound. To manage feather-related stress:
- Hang grass or vegetables in the house to distract the birds and reduce feather pecking.
- Add 1% feather meal to the feed between 9–11 weeks of age.
- Increase salt content in the feed to 2.5%, or provide salt in drinking water while ensuring adequate hydration.
Also, timely castration during the juvenile stage can help prevent injuries caused by aggression.
To minimize stress and aggressive behavior, keep the environment calm and limit disturbances. Avoid frequent visits and ensure the area remains quiet. To prevent sudden flight or collisions, consider trimming one primary wing feather on one side. The structure of the housing should not be too tall to avoid panic.
Disease prevention is crucial. Clean the broiler house daily and disinfect weekly using a 100 ppm disinfectant solution. At 8–9 weeks of age, administer the Newcastle disease vaccine via drinking water, using double the standard dose. If wet or rainy weather occurs during the fattening period, add 0.04% oxytetracycline or another antibiotic to the feed to prevent fowl cholera or coccidiosis. A common dosing schedule is one week on, one week off, to maintain effectiveness without overuse.
Proper management during the fattening stage ensures better growth, healthier birds, and higher meat quality.
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