Red Golden pheasants are originally from the mountains of China and are therefore very cold hardy. Red Goldens are a favorite of backyard aviculturists because they are hardy and quite easy to raise – not to mention that the males are absolutely stunning in appearance. The bright, beautiful plumage of the male Red Golden pheasant is among the most colorful and attractive of all the world’s birds. They are bred and raised all over the world. They are hardy, beautiful, very intelligent and great for beginners.
The Red Golden Pheasant is one of two species that are known as Ruffed Pheasants because the males have a “cape” that they spread around their necks and faces during courtship. Males have a bright yellow crest, that may have a slight tinge of red, just at the tip; the feathers of the cape are orangey, but outlined in a bluish-black; the upper back is green and the lower back and rump are golden; the breast and under-wings are scarlet; the wings themselves are blue and red; the tail is black with cinnamon spotting. Hens are basically brown or buff with darker brown barring.
Breeding and Incubation: Hens will lay a clutch of 8-12 eggs in April, and incubation lasts between 22 and 23 days. This species will breed readily in captivity. Males are sexually mature at 2 years, and females at 1. Red Golden pheasants can live up to 15 years.
Diet: In the wild, red golden pheasants enjoy eating seeds, shoots, berries, leaves, and insects. A commercial diet of game bird feed is recommended as well.
Size: Red Golden pheasants can weight from 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and will be from 20 – 30 inches long.
Males do not develop their bright colors until they are two years old, but are often fertile during the first year.
This species is most comfortable on the ground but can fly. They are much clumsier in the air than on the ground.
