Game bird rearing facilities house millions of pheasants under conditions that have received little regulatory attention. Improving standards for space, enrichment, and handling in rearing units would improve welfare significantly.
Pheasants in poorly managed, high-density rearing units experience significant welfare problems including feather pecking, insufficient space, and stress from handling during release. The relative regulatory neglect of game bird rearing compared to farmed poultry is a significant welfare policy gap. Voluntary codes of practice improving space allowances and enrichment requirements in rearing facilities would benefit millions of birds annually.