 PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
PHOTO: KENNETH W. FINK |
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The Lady Amherst's Pheasant is the nearest competitor, other than the Indian Peafowl, to the Golden Pheasant. A1though recorded in 1829, it was not until 1874 that they were first bred. Unfortunately, almost all early importations seem to have had more cock birds than hens, and many hybrids with the Golden were produced. As a result of this, and probably further hybridization due to carelessness, there are not as many pure Lady Amherst's Pheasants in captivity as might be wished.
Aviculturally they are very similar to the Golden Pheasant and are just as hardy. In the wild they come from further south in China than the Golden, but tend to live at higher altitudes in bamboo thickets. The Lady Amherst's Pheasant is yet another species indigenous to China which is the subject of recent field research. It appears adaptable to certain new farming practices in its previous natural habitat. |
| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) |
| Status in captivity | Numerous, but not all pure |
| Full adult plumage | Second year |
| Egg clutch size | 6 - 12 eggs |
| Incubation Period | 22 days |
| Feeding Habits | Standard pheasant diet |