Winter Weight Loss Related to Subsequent Weights and Reproduction in Penned Pheasant Hens

Abstract

Below-normal body weights in late winter among captive ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) hens held at the Wisconsin State Game Farm in 1963 and 1964 were associated with delayed attainment of maximum spring weights, later egg laying, and lower body weights throughout the period of egg laying. No adverse effects were noted on daily rates of egg laying during maximum egg production, not on egg hatchability or chick survival. These and previous studies suggest that egg quality tends to be maintained at expense of the hen''s own body condition; hence egg hatchability and chick survival are seemingly unrelated to winter weights, even though egg number may be reduced depending on the time of weight loss in relation to normal onset of reproduction. Results of pen and field studies in Wisconsin indicate that delayed egg laying and higher adult hen mortality may be the principal consequences of late-winter depletion of body reserves.