Burton’s Pirogue Aviaries – We have one, two, and three-year-old Lady Amherst Pheasants.
The Lady Amherst Pheasant is of the order of Galliformes and the family of Phasianisindae. They are native to Southwestern China and farther Myanmar.
The adult male is 40-48 inches in length, with its tail being approximately 31 inches. It is unmistakable a cape or ruff of feathers that surround the head and neck with white black, with a red crest. The long gray tail and rump is red, blue, dark green, white and yellow plumage. The cape can be raised in display. They are closely related to the Golden Pheasant, but has a yellow eye, but with blue-green skin around it. The bill is horn-colored and have blue-gray colored legs.
The female is much less showy, with a duller mottled brown plumage all over, like the common pheasant only much darker.
They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertebrates. They roost in trees. They can fly but prefer to run. The male has a gruff breeding call during breeding season.
Lady Amherst’s Pheasants are a good choice for private aviaries because they are hardy and relatively easy to keep. They do need a roomy area, so that their long tail feathers can be accommodated without breaking them. They also require shade and enjoy trees and shrubs with branches.
Breeding Season: Breeding season begins in May and lasts through the autumn. Males develop their bright plumage at the age of two years, but can be fertile during their first year. It is recommend not using them for breeding purposes until they are two years old.
Clutch Size: 6-12 eggs
Incubation Period: 23-24 days