rodney Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 I have hatched 21 white pheasants which are now 3 days old. They are in a brooder with chopped paper as a floor covering with a large electric hen for heat and a 15w low energy bulb for light. They are not over crowded as the brooder is 1m by 1.5m however, they have started to feather peck already. Should I reduce brightness of the light or change the colour to red? Also is 3 weeks about the earliest to bit them? Any help comments appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 (edited) yeah reduce the light and change it for red bits come iirc in 3 sizes 1-4 weeks, 3-7 weeks and 7-12 weeks, try to refrain from bitting until 3 weeks if you can, the chicks will peck at any spots or marks that they see (thats why reduce and change the light for red works) Edited June 7, 2013 by Paul223 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJon Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 I know in back garden hens people use 'Stop Peck' - a bitter tasting spray to 'train out' the behaviour almost before it habit forms. (Perfectly honest post - I sell the stuff) Not sure if pheasants would be put off by it or not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 yeah anti peck spray will work to, bit early though really, usually pecking happens with the birds moulting and fresh feather coming through Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJon Posted June 7, 2013 Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 Are they on the right feed and feed size? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodney Posted June 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2013 Are they on the right feed and feed size? They are on crumbs; I changed the light to a red bulb this afternoon so I will see how things go. Thanks for feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickologjam Posted July 15, 2013 Report Share Posted July 15, 2013 Where are they pecking each other? Early vent pecking may indicate 'scouring' (diarrhoea) which could be disease related. Tail or 'elbow' pecking can start early and we tend to reduce or remove light and spray birds with coloured disinfectant spray. Iodine etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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