Do Pheasants Make Good Pets?

Pheasants can be kept as pets, though they require specific care and attention to thrive. They are social animals and need to be kept in groups, preferably with other pheasants or even with other poultry like chickens. They also need a secure aviary or coop to prevent them from escaping, especially if they feel threatened, as they are capable of flying. 

I know these beautiful game birds are very fascinating, not only because of their plumage. The behavior they show especially when breeding season begins is interesting to observe as well.

However, if you want to keep pheasants as pets (I’m not talking about using them as poultry and for eggs in this regard) you have to consider a few things. While they are easy to keep as livestock that doesn’t mean, that they necessarily make good pets.

Do Pheasants Make Good Pets?

Yes, pheasants can make wonderful pets, especially for those with experience in keeping poultry. They are social birds that can be kept in groups, and some species, like Tragopans, can even become quite friendly with their owners. However, it’s important to note that pheasants are not as placid as some other poultry and can be more skittish and secretive

Overall, I really like keeping pheasants as pets. If you want to keep an animal that will be loving and tame, pheasants aren’t for you. However, if you want beautiful birds to add a little glitz and glamour, then these wonderful birds are perfect.

Pros of Keeping Pheasants

• Beautiful Appearance: Pheasants like the Golden or Lady Amherst are stunning and admired in aviaries.
• Quiet (mostly): Unlike roosters, many pheasant species are less noisy.
• Interesting to Observe: They have unique behaviors and can be enjoyable to watch.

Pheasant Behaviour

Pheasants are naturally shy individuals that are not prone to seeking out human interaction. You only have to see the speed at which they dart off into the undergrowth or fly away over a hedge when you’re out walking to realise that. However, like all animals; if you treat them well, are kind and calm around them and have a little patience, many pheasants will become quite tame. When I say tame I mean, eat from your hand tame rather than walk around your farm and sit on your shoulder tame.

Personally, one of the joys of having animals is watching their natural behaviours and displays. From the way they look for food and take a dust bath, to the interactions between each other. Whilst your pheasants won’t necessarily become your best friend, it’s still really fun to sit quietly with a cup of tea or coffee and watch them going about their daily lives. It’s the perfect zone out and zen time.

Why Pheasant Pet?

Ornamental pheasants are some of the most beautiful birds in the world. They come in a huge variety of colours and feather variations, and can be a fantastic addition to farm, garden or homestead. If you keep aviary birds, they can be a great addition to utilise the ground-space or you can set up a run or coop just for pheasants themselves.

I should point out from the very start that pheasants are not like chickens. Though their dietary needs are somewhat similar, their characteristics are completely different. You can eat the eggs, but they only lay seasonally. Most breeds will not become tame, sit on your foot, follow you around the garden or pose for photos. Unless you clip their wings (and even then, it’s not a guarantee) they’ll fly away and so you need a roofed coop, run or aviary to keep them in. However, all that being said, I still think they’re wonderful birds and an exotic addition to any farm, collection or garden.

Why Consider a Pheasant as a Pet?

When people ask me about the best exotic bird for hobby farming or private aviaries, pheasants as a pet often top my list. Their beauty is unmatched, especially varieties like the golden pheasant, which boasts iridescent feathers in a kaleidoscope of colors. If you’ve ever searched “golden pheasant for sale” online, you’ve likely seen just how prized they are.

But beyond their beauty, pheasants are relatively hardy birds when properly cared for. I’ve seen firsthand how easily they can adapt to a well-constructed enclosure with adequate space and natural cover. With the right setup, a pet pheasant for sale listing becomes an exciting start to a rewarding experience.

Pet Pheasants Are Legal

Many birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. For example, all birds of prey like falcons or eagles fall under this law.

Just like chickens, ducks, turkeys and quails, pheasants are legal to keep. So there is nothing to worry about.

It also doesn’t matter about which species of pheasants we talk about as there are the

• golden pheasant
• ring-necked pheasant
• silver pheasant
• lady Amherst’s pheasant
• reeves’ pheasant
• mikado pheasant

Do I Need a License to Raise Pheasants?

A question I often get from prospective owners is: Do I need a license to raise pheasants? In many regions, the answer is yes—particularly if you plan to breed or sell them. Regulations vary by state or country, so I always advise checking with your local wildlife or agricultural department. Having gone through this process myself, I can say that compliance not only keeps you legal but also helps ensure that your birds are sourced and managed ethically.

How Much is the Price for Pheasants as a Pet?

Pricing can vary greatly based on the species, age, and whether the bird is captive-bred or wild-caught (never recommended for ethical and legal reasons).

Here’s a quick overview based on what I’ve seen in the market:

I’ve personally sourced golden pheasant for sale listings from trusted breeders, and the price usually reflects the quality of care and the condition of the bird. Avoid cheap online listings unless you’re confident the source is ethical and reputable.

How to Take Care of Pheasants Pet

Taking care of a pheasant properly requires more than just tossing them in a backyard coop. Here’s a professional breakdown of what you need to know:

Housing & Enclosure

Pheasants are flighty and semi-wild, which means they need space and security.

• Minimum Space: 20–30 square feet per bird outdoors. For aviaries, I prefer 50–100 sq ft for a breeding pair.
• Cover the Enclosure: Can pheasants fly? Yes—and well. Always have netting or a full roof.
• Shelter: Enclosed, draft-free shelter for cold/rainy weather.
• Ground Cover: Sand, dirt, or grass with brush and hiding spots. They love to scratch and dust-bathe.

Diet & Nutrition

Feeding is key to health and vibrancy.

• Game Bird Feed: I use high-quality game bird pellets—16–30% protein, depending on the age.
• Grains: Cracked corn, millet, and oats as supplementary grains.
• Greens: Chopped kale, dandelion, and leafy vegetables.
• Treats: Mealworms and fruits in moderation.
• Water: Always clean, fresh water—replace daily.

I once had a pheasant show signs of lethargy, only to realize its water had gone stagnant. These birds are sensitive to environmental hygiene.

Pheasant Variety

The type of pheasant you get will likely affect how friendly your pet pheasants will get. Different animal breeds – chicken, dogs, cats – all have innate characteristics notable to them. Greyhounds sleep a lot. Silkies go broody. Bengals are super high energy. Pheasants are the same, with some breeds showing certain characteristics.

Good starter pheasants can be:

• Goldens – I honestly love golden pheasants. They’re one of the cheapest varieties available but just look like an explosion of flames and jewels. They also become very friendly relatively quickly; chirruping for food, coming up to the dishes and even eating from your hand.
• Silvers – I’ve also found male silver pheasants to become friendly, often even displaying at your when you go to refill their bowls or walk by. The hens, however, can be rather flighty.

Exotics:

• Temnicks Tragopan – If you want to try something a little more exotic, then Temnicks tragopans are glorious. Pairs can be quite expensive but I’ve found both males and females become really quite friendly. The male’s display is exquisite with them choosing a place to dance, inflating a huge blue bib and bouncing on the spot.
• Grey Peacock pheasants – Like silvers, I’ve found male grey peacock pheasants to be really friendly.

Non-Friendly:

• Lady Amhurst – These birds are readily available but I’ve found them to be illusive and scatty, running away and flying into the netting every time you go into the run.
• Reeves – Reeves are also available quite often and cheap. However, hens are scatty and males can become extremely aggressive. They grow super long spurs and will actively try to fly at your and scratch you. They are beautiful to look at but never turn your back on a reeves!

Behavior & Handling

Pheasants are not like parrots or chickens. They are more ornamental and don’t enjoy being handled regularly.

• Stress-Prone: Excessive handling causes stress and possible injury.
• Flight Risk: Always close doors and keep calm when entering the aviary.
• Co-Habitation: Can you keep pheasants with chickens? I’ve tried it, and it’s not ideal. Chickens often bully pheasants and may transmit diseases. If you must, use a large pen with species-specific zones.

Pheasants Are Not Domesticated

That sounds somewhat strange, as pheasants live site by site to humans for many centuries. However, domestication in a strict meaning relies on genetic change.

This can be found for example in chickens and scientists say, that pheasants might have been the first chickens a long time ago.

Wild instincts still control the behavior even of pet pheasants and the best taming process won’t change this fact.

Taming Pheasants Takes A Lot Of Time

As I mentioned before, taming a pheasant is not easy. You would have to spend a lot of time to get the trust of your pets. You have to spend several hours a day in the run, hand feeding and touching them if possible.

Additionally taming is easier when the birds are young. Getting some that are just hatched should be your preference if you are looking for an exotic pet that actually likes (or has nothing against) to get petted. 

Pheasants Can Fly

Of course, there are many birds (nearly all :-D) that can fly much better, but compared to chickens, they can really fly. Even though they prefer to run.

An adult pheasant can fly further than a mile and can reach up to 50 mph after he had launched.

You definitely have to take that into account when you build the aviary for your pet birds. Several square feet for roaming, an at least 5-foot high fence with a net that prevents escapes is the way to go.

Keep Them Safe Of Predators

Depending on where you live, several predators will be interested in your pheasants. Foxes and coyotes, as well as minks or birds of prey, are some natural enemies. But cats and dogs that live in your neighborhood can also be curious.

Make sure that the fence is sturdy and clamped thoroughly also take a second look at the net that covers the whole run.

Be Prepared For Daily Routines

Owning birds is nothing for people that can’t take responsibility. You need to lock in your pets at night and let them out again every morning.

Additionally, you need to feed them fresh food and water every day.

If you go on vacation you have to always find other people who are willing to do the job.

Pheasants Are Social Animals

Pheasants are social animals and like to live in pairs at least. You would do best to buy two females and one male.

Avoid keeping two males in the same aviary under all circumstances. Not later than breeding season, they will start to fight over the females.

You can keep pheasants as well with almost all other birds you can imagine. Chickens, ducks and geese are very good roommates if you plan to have more than one species.

Choosing the Right Pheasant pet

If you’re thinking about purchasing a golden pheasant pet, you’re making a striking choice. These birds are both ornamental and relatively easy to care for, provided their environmental needs are met. A quick search for golden pheasant for sale or pet pheasant for sale can lead you to reputable breeders. Always look for sellers who prioritize the health and welfare of their birds. In my experience, healthy birds come from clean, spacious facilities and breeders who can answer your questions confidently.

Best Pheasant Species for a Pet,

1. Golden Pheasant

Best for beginners and beauty
Bright, colorful, and easy to care for. Calm in aviaries and adapts well. Popular choice—search “golden pheasant for sale” to find trusted breeders.

2. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant

⚪ Exotic and elegant
Long tail, striking white and green feathers. Shy and more nervous—better for viewing than handling.

3. Ring-Necked Pheasant

Hardy and common
Strong, adaptable, and farm-friendly. Less tame, better for rural settings than as close pets.

4. Silver Pheasant

Showy but needs space
Bold black and white feathers. Calm but males can be territorial. Great for large aviaries.

5. Elliot’s Pheasant

Rare collector’s choice
Gentle and exotic-looking. Needs quiet, well-managed care. Not for beginners.

More about Pheasants pet

How to train a pet pheasant?

Yes, you can train a pet pheasant to some extent, but it requires patience and consistency. Start by raising the pheasant from a chick, which increases the chances of taming it. Spend time near the bird daily so it becomes familiar with your voice and presence. Use treats, like mealworms or grains, to create positive associations. Hand-feed them gently and consistently to build trust. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, as pheasants are easily startled. Training should focus more on socialization and getting the bird comfortable with your presence rather than expecting it to perform tricks or follow complex commands. True obedience training, like you’d do with a dog, is not typical with pheasants.

Can You Keep Pheasants With Chickens?

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Can you keep pheasants with chickens?” The answer is—it depends. While it’s physically possible, it’s not always advisable. Pheasants are more flighty, less domesticated, and more susceptible to stress from pecking-order conflicts. I’ve observed that mixing them often results in aggressive behaviors, especially during mating season. If you do attempt it, ensure that the enclosure is spacious and that both species have their own designated areas.

How long do prt pheasants live in captivity?

Yes, pheasants can live significantly longer in captivity than in the wild. In a well-maintained, stress-free environment with proper diet and veterinary care, pheasants typically live 5 to 10 years, depending on the species and care quality. Wild pheasants often survive only 1 to 3 years due to predators, harsh weather, and disease. In captivity, their lifespan can be extended with good nutrition, a clean and secure aviary, and minimal stress. Some ornamental pheasant species, like the Golden Pheasant, may live even longer under optimal conditions.

Can pheasants be domesticated?

Yes, pheasants can be partially domesticated, especially if raised from a young age by humans. Some breeds, such as the Ring-necked Pheasant, have been semi-domesticated over time, especially on game farms. However, even domesticated pheasants often retain wild instincts and are not as tame or friendly as truly domesticated animals like chickens. They may tolerate human presence but usually do not bond closely with people or seek out interaction. With consistent handling and calm environments, they can become accustomed to human caretakers, but complete domestication is rare.

What is the friendliest pheasant breed?

Yes, some pheasant breeds are friendlier and more tolerant of human interaction than others. The Golden Pheasant and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant are considered among the more docile and calm breeds. These birds are often kept in aviaries for their stunning plumage and tend to adapt reasonably well to captivity. While they are still not affectionate or cuddly, they are less aggressive and more likely to tolerate being near humans compared to more skittish or aggressive pheasant types.

Can pheasants be aggressive?

Yes, pheasants can be aggressive, especially males during the breeding season. Territorial behavior is common, and males may fight with each other or even show aggression toward humans if they feel threatened or confined. Aggression is usually driven by hormones, stress, or overcrowding. In aviaries, it’s important to manage space and provide enough room for birds to avoid conflict. Mixing multiple males or different species can increase the likelihood of aggression, so care must be taken when housing them.

What kills most pheasants?

Yes, pheasants face many threats, both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, the most common causes of death are predators such as foxes, hawks, coyotes, and domestic cats. They are also highly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, especially in winter, and to habitat loss caused by farming and development. In captivity, pheasants may die from disease, poor nutrition, stress, or injury due to panic flight or poor housing conditions. Proper care, diet, and protection from predators are essential for their survival.

How smart is a pheasant?

No, pheasants are not considered highly intelligent compared to birds like crows or parrots. However, they do possess a fair level of instinctive intelligence. Pheasants are good at recognizing food sources, navigating terrain, and adapting to new environments when necessary. In captivity, they can learn simple routines and become familiar with their caretakers, but they do not typically exhibit problem-solving skills or complex behaviors associated with more intelligent birds. Their survival skills in the wild are based more on instinct than on reasoning.

Is a quail or pheasant a better pet?

Yes, quail are generally a better choice for a pet than pheasants for most people. Quail are smaller, easier to handle, and more commonly kept as pets or in backyard flocks. They are less aggressive, less flighty, and adapt more easily to being around humans, especially if hand-raised. Quail require less space, are quieter, and tend to be more manageable for beginner bird keepers. In contrast, pheasants are larger, more skittish, require large aviaries, and are harder to tame. If you’re looking for a pet bird with lower maintenance and better temperament, quail are usually the better option.

Pheasant pet single or pair?

No, keeping a pheasant alone is not ideal. Pheasants are generally social birds and do better when kept in pairs or small groups, especially if you have the space. A male-female pair is best to avoid aggression between males. Keeping a single pheasant can lead to loneliness, boredom, and stress-related behaviors. However, too many birds in a confined space can lead to territorial aggression, so make sure to provide enough room. If space is limited or you’re new to pheasant care, a single female pheasant may be less aggressive and easier to manage, but even then, companionship is generally beneficial for their well-being.

Final Thoughts

Keeping pheasants as a pet is a unique and rewarding experience—if done responsibly. Whether you’re dreaming of a golden pheasant pet, searching pet pheasant for sale listings, or learning how to keep pheasants on your property, always start with research, planning, and a genuine respect for the animal.

From my experience, the key to success with pheasants is simple: space, safety, and specialized care. These birds aren’t domesticated in the traditional sense, but they can thrive in captivity with the right setup—and reward you with their beauty and charm.