Habitat
Releasing Game Birds in New Zealand.
Early introduction of pheasants and other game species in New Zealand was carried out by the Acclimatisation Society in the early 1860’s.
Initially the aim of the society was to provide food sources for the settlers. Not all introductions were successful. Trout, deer and Canada geese quickly established viable wild populations. But for some other species, including partridge and pheasants, considerable efforts were made at great expense, for many decades.
Early societies did not place much emphasis on research and science – if at first they failed to introduce a particular species, they just released more into the wild, again and again.
Today there is a lot of information available to increase the successful rearing and release of pheasants. At New Zealand Game Birds we are keen to ensure that your released birds establish successfully.
Key factors influencing successful release of gamebirds on your property:
- Food and water supply
- Habitat
- Predator control
At New Zealand Game Birds we aim to supply healthy, well feathered birds ready for release into the wild at 6 weeks of age. Releasing poults at this age is ideal as they are dependent on you for their food supply and will not stray as readily as older birds.
The ideal release habitat consists of 1/3 tall trees, 1/3 smaller shrubs and 1/3 open ground. The size of release area will depend on the number of birds you wish to release. Pheasants like warm sites with dappled light. The birds require a ready source of clean water and supplementary feeding.
The success of the released birds is greatly influenced by predator control – cats, mustelids (stoats, weasels, ferrets), and dogs are the main culprits. Future breeding success will also depend on control of egg/chick stealing predators such as hedgehogs, possums, rats etc. Regional councils will often subsidise the purchase of traps for control of pest species.
