Pheasant & Chukar

Considering raising pheasants or chukar? Raising pheasants is less common that chickens, ducks or turkeys but does still come with its own benefits. The benefits of raising pheasants range from ornamental value, egg and meat production, to conservation. While the benefits of raising Chukar are similar to that of pheasants. Chukar are low maintenance, fast growing hardy birds. Below are the most common breeds of pheasants and chukar and their characteristics!

Chinese Ringneck Pheasant

Ring-neck Pheasants are used primarily for stocking and hunting. Ring-neck are a hardy bird that has an excellent flying ability. Although they have excellent flying ability they usually don’t fly more than 600 feet at a time. In extreme cold Ring-necked pheasants can stay dormant for days at a time. During breading season 1 male will protect a small group of females and will keep other males away from them.

Habitat: Crop Fields, Wetlands, Grasslands and Woodlands.

Behavior: Flighty

Size: 2-4 lbs

Color: Iridescent green- black sheen

Melanistic Mutant Pheasant

Melanistic Mutant Pheasants are a pure breed. They originated in Europe over 100 years ago. These birds are a favorite variety to be released. Given their display they have a remarkable ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. The mature weight is around 3.5lbs.

Habitat: Crop Fields, Wetlands, Grasslands and Woodlands.

Behavior: Flighty

Size: 2-4 lbs

Color: Iridescent green- black sheen

Chukar Partridge

Chukar are native to the middle east and Southern Asia. They are a small flighty bird known for their flying ability and zebra like stripes. During breeding season Chukar tend to pair up to breed. Chukar are most active in the morning and evening and tend to stay in small coveys or groups. Chukar weigh around 1 lb and are fast flyers.

Habitat: Desert, Arid Habitats, Fields, Meadows and Grass Lands.

Behavior: Flushes, Rapid Wingbeats, Running and Soaring

Size: About the size of a Robin

Color: Black, Brown, Gray, Red, Tan and White