Peacock pheasants are no longer a part of the collection as of 2020. This page will remain for reference purposes.
Peacock pheasants belong to the genus Polyplectron, which means “many spurs.” It is characteristic of peacock pheasants to have one or more sets of spurs on their legs. There are eight species of peacock pheasants that are as follows: grey, Germain’s, Palawan, mountain (Rothschild’s), Hainan, bronze-tailed, Malayan, and Bornean (Hainan and Bornean are not represented in U.S. aviculture). These pheasants inhabit various parts of Asia; therefore, they are tropical birds that require heat in northern climates. There is noticeable variation between the species, but the males of each species have moderately-sized tails marked with vibrant ocelli. During their breeding displays, the males open up their tail, just as a peacock fans his train.
Peacock pheasants are monogamous and should be kept as pairs. Since they are such small birds, it is a good idea to keep them in their own individual pens. With that said, I have had grey peacock pheasants do well in large aviaries with various species, and have seen similar situations at other collections. Peacock pheasants do not need expansive aviaries as some pheasant species do, which is a plus. Peacock pheasants have many additional pros, but they are certainly not a beginner’s pheasant. In the wild, they are insectivores, so it is a good idea to offer captive birds mealworms. My peacock pheasants receive commercial diets along with a mixture of fruits and vegetables, and I have noticed that my birds at least tend to be more picky in regards to what they eat. The females lay small clutches of two eggs (some species just lay one egg per clutch), though they can produce a few clutches in a given season if they do not incubate and rear their own young. The chicks are very small when they hatch and may require additional attention to entice them to eat. This can be accomplished by adding an older chick or a chick of a different species (granted that they are not too large or going to bully the peacock pheasant chick) to the brooder, which can be removed once they are eating well. Once an individual has had success breeding pheasants and is familiar with their husbandry needs, then is it appropriate to venture into peacock pheasant species. I recommend beginning with the grey peacock pheasant, as they are readily available, the most affordable, and more forgiving than other peacock pheasant species. Each species has something special in store and it’s certain that one cannot get bored by working with peacock pheasants.
Now Offering:
- Peach Golden Pheasants for Sale – Known for their striking peach and golden plumage, they are a favorite among breeders and backyard aviary enthusiasts.
- Red Golden Pheasants for Sale – These pheasants feature vibrant red feathers and a distinctive golden crest, making them one of the most popular ornamental breeds.
- Dark Throat Pheasants for Sale – Unique and elegant, these birds stand out for their deep throat markings and graceful demeanor.
- Lady Amherst Pheasants for Sale – Famous for their intricate patterns and stunning metallic colors, these pheasants bring elegance to any collection.
- Salmon Golden pheasants for sale- These are a rare mutation of the Golden pheasants and they look great with they’re own distinctive color.
- Cinnamon Golden pheasants for sale- These are a good mutation with the female having a lighter color and the male having some red and cinnamon color.
We’re hoping to later have some Yellow Golden pheasants for sale and Silver Golden pheasants for sale (we’ll let you know when they become available).
These birds make great backyard pets. They’re fairly quiet, and you can bulk-feed and water them without a lot of work. You’ll also enjoy hatching their eggs and watching the baby chicks develop. These are hardy birds and good for beginners.