Successful pheasant production requires knowledge of pheasant breeding, nesting, brooding and winter habitats. In addition, other aspects of pheasant habitat such as loafing cover, escape cover, and adequate foods for adult and growing pheasants are important. Nesting Habitat Pheasants are highly dependent upon agriculture and agricultural practices. Undisturbed nesting and brooding habitat is usually the most limiting factor on agricultural lands. Nesting can take place from April to September with incubation taking 24 days.
Pheasants frequently use alfalfa for nesting, but many nests are destroyed by mowing.
If a farmer is fortunate enough to have a wetland on his property, it can supply a great amount of nesting habitat. A study in Texas reported 40 percent of the nests were found in vegetation associated with wetlands, although only two percent of the land was in that habitat. Wheat and other small grains made up another 50 percent, and most of the remaining nest habitat was in alfalfa and roadside cover. Pheasants prefer cover 10 to 20 inches high with little or no grazing. A mixture of adapted grasses and legumes works best as nesting cover.