Interested in raising pheasant chicks for release in 2024? Please read below and/or contact us at [email protected]
Raising pheasants
One of the most hands-on and rewarding ways to support our mission of producing thriving game bird populations in our region is to volunteer to raise and release pheasant chicks. After several years, we've cultivated the relationships, resources and know-how to maximize success. Here's what you need to know about the process.
Click Here for our Chick Raising Handout - this talks you through the whole process from procuring chicks to releasing chicks.
Click Here for our Chick Raising List - this is a list of necessary (required) and suggested items needed to raise chicks.
Click Here for our Chick Raising Handout - this talks you through the whole process from procuring chicks to releasing chicks.
Click Here for our Chick Raising List - this is a list of necessary (required) and suggested items needed to raise chicks.
Ordering chicks
The Game Bird Foundation obtains day-old baby pheasant and chukar chicks from Little Canyon Shooting Preserve in Peck, Idaho. The chicks are made available to the public through The Game Bird Foundation, with funding from Idaho Fish and Game. Consequently, chicks are only available to Idaho residents at this time.
Pheasants are a straight-run, but the majority of the chicks will be female. Chukars are also a straight-run. Chicks are available from the end of April through July and possibly August. Chick orders are received starting in February, and are accepted through June as long as chicks are available.
Game Bird Foundation members who raise chicks gain access to members-only perks, including individualized instruction on raising birds, consultation and assistance with chicks, as well as brooders, supplies, and feed at a
reduced rate. (more info about this below)
Pheasants are a straight-run, but the majority of the chicks will be female. Chukars are also a straight-run. Chicks are available from the end of April through July and possibly August. Chick orders are received starting in February, and are accepted through June as long as chicks are available.
Game Bird Foundation members who raise chicks gain access to members-only perks, including individualized instruction on raising birds, consultation and assistance with chicks, as well as brooders, supplies, and feed at a
reduced rate. (more info about this below)
Brooding chicks
As with any livestock rearing program, the proper facilities and equipment make the difference between success and failure. We began rearing chicks in cardboard boxes heated with light bulbs, but we have learned a lot since those early days. We have now perfected a brooder house and exercise run design that works beautifully.
If you are a member of the Game Bird Foundation, we can provide you a set-up that includes everything you need. Below are instructions on how to build your own brooders. Members also get access to automatic watering system and infrared heaters that run on propane or an electric heater. Both heaters are thermostatic controlled to 100 plus degrees for the chicks.
Click here for: PLANS FOR BUILDING A BROODER
If you are a member of the Game Bird Foundation, we can provide you a set-up that includes everything you need. Below are instructions on how to build your own brooders. Members also get access to automatic watering system and infrared heaters that run on propane or an electric heater. Both heaters are thermostatic controlled to 100 plus degrees for the chicks.
Click here for: PLANS FOR BUILDING A BROODER
Releasing game birds
Chicks are raised to the age of 8-9 weeks before release. At this age they are less susceptible to predators, although losses are to be expected. More and more people are using “soft release” techniques involving a release pen similar to those used on driven bird shoots in Europe. Supplemental feeding is also helpful, but selecting the best possible release habitat is essential. Fish and Game departments are often not enthused about releasing birds, but until habitat is properly developed a successful release can improve bird hunting in an area. Again, we can advise new bird raisers on issues associated with release. Members will get access to assistance, soft release pens, and approved release locations for the soft release process.
