Predator Proof: Pheasants

Pheasants aren’t nearly as big of predator targets as, say, quail for instance. They are aggressive usually killing any snakes that try something fishy, maybe even slaying a weasel or attacking a racoon.

But if you are me, then you don’t like risks, so you’ll do anything to guarantee these beautiful birds’ safety.

From the Air

Proofing from areal predators is simple for pheasants.

Obviously a roof is necessary, probably made out of either hardware cloth or chicken wire. Simple netting is not satisfactory at all, a hawk could rip that up in seconds. However netting is suggested as a second layer to prevent pheasants from breaking neck on the wire.

From beneath

Digging predators for pheasants are large like skunks or oppossums, so their holes take a while to dig, so you’ll probably notice before they get in.

But for safety, I mean what if you’re out of town or something, I suggest at least a foot of wire covering the floor on all sides, if not the entire floor.

And don’t just use window screens, or flimsy wire. They can tear it. I’d stick with hardware cloth.

Going Right Through

Chicken wire is positively trash when it comes to racoons, opossums, or weasels. Animals can just rip right through! I’d suggest a foot or two of hardware cloth, or a solid material, on the bottom of the sides.

You may think to your self, what if they just climb up???

Well for one weasels can’t climb.

Also you probably shouldn’t have ladders leaning against your cage or anything else that they could use. Hardware cloth’s openings are too small for them to climb on!

Plus opossums and racoons are usually going to rip wire enough for their arms to grab animals inside.

Dogs, either wolves or domestic, are also potential predators that can barge through chicken wire. Thus I keep my pens inside a large fenced area, fence tall enough that dogs can’t jump over!

So, I hope this helps keep your birds happy and safe, so, good luck pheasanting (which is a verb I just made up).