Glossary
Common game bird terms explained in plain language.
A
A Room / B Room
The two-stage brooder system used by commercial farms. The 'A' room holds chicks at 4 birds/sq ft for the first 3 weeks. The 'B' room gives 1/2 sq ft per bird from weeks 3-6 before moveout.
Amprolium
A coccidiostat medication added to pheasant feed (1 lb per ton) to control coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease. Used in medicated starter and grower feeds from day 1 until maturity.
B
Beak Trimming
A last-resort method to control cannibalism by trimming the top beak with fingernail clippers until it bleeds slightly. Can be done at 2 weeks and repeated as needed. Less preferred than peepers.
Brooder
A heated enclosure used to raise day-old chicks until they can regulate their own body temperature. Typically kept at 95°F for the first week.
Brooder Guard
A circular barrier placed around the heat source to prevent chicks from piling in corners. Should be at least 18 inches tall and rounded — no corners.
C
Cannibalism
A natural behavior in pheasants where birds peck at each other, pull feathers, and can kill each other. Caused by overcrowding, poor diet, bright light, or boredom. Managed with peepers, space, and enrichment.
Coccidiosis
A parasitic disease caused by coccidian protozoa. Signs include bloody droppings, lethargy, and reduced feed intake. Often associated with wet litter. Prevent with good sanitation and dry bedding.
Coccidiosis
An intestinal disease caused by coccidia parasites that thrives in wet, dirty bedding. Causes poor growth, lethargy, and mortality. Controlled with Amprolium-medicated feed and clean, dry bedding.
Coccidiostat
A medication (like Amprolium) added to feed to prevent coccidiosis, an intestinal disease caused by coccidia parasites that thrives in wet, dirty bedding.
D
DOA
Dead on Arrival — chicks that are dead or dying when they arrive at the farm. These are subtracted from the initial bird count for mortality calculations.
F
Feather Picking
The early stage of cannibalistic behavior where birds peck and pull each other's feathers. First sign is blood on wing tips and tails. Will escalate to serious injury and death if not addressed immediately.
Flight Pen
A covered outdoor pen where pheasants are moved at 6-8 weeks of age to grow to maturity. Built with 1-inch mesh netting, buried wire sides, and 25 sq ft per bird with peepers. Also called a grow-out pen.
G
Grower Feed
The feed given from 6 weeks onward. 20% protein, supports feathering and conditioning rather than rapid growth. Continue Amprolium until maturity.
M
Moveout
The final stage when birds leave the barn for outdoor pens or processing, typically around day 42-45.
Moveover
The process of moving birds from the brooder side (A side) to the conditioning side (B side) of the barn, typically around day 21.
P
Peeper
A small clip-on device (also called a blinder) fitted to a pheasant's beak at 30-35 days that blocks forward vision, preventing direct line of sight to other birds. The primary tool for preventing cannibalism and feather picking.
Peeping
The stage around day 14 when chicks begin to develop adult feathers and their calls change from chick chirps to more adult sounds.
Piling
When chicks bunch tightly together, usually under the heat lamp because they're cold. Can cause death by smothering, especially during the first 1-2 nights. A key early warning sign of temperature problems.
Pre-Starter Feed
The first feed given to pheasant chicks (days 0-21). 30% protein, fine crumble, medicated with Amprolium. The high protein supports rapid early growth.
S
Starve-out
When chicks never start eating and die within the first week. Often caused by chicks not finding feed, being too cold to eat, or stress. Check crops to confirm chicks are eating.
Stocking Density
The number of birds per square foot of space. Overcrowding leads to stress, piling, and cannibalism. Increase space as birds grow.
T
Toprite Netting
The netting material used to cover the top of flight pens. Typically 150' x 50' rolls, connected and hog-ringed to support wires every 5 feet to prevent wind ripping.
W
Wing Clipping
Trimming the primary and greater coverts of one wing at 3-4 weeks to prevent flight. Done so birds can't fly through 1-inch netting or break suspended heat lamps and lighting.
Withdrawal Period
The time required after administering medicine before birds can be safely processed or consumed. Always follow label instructions.