Poultry Farming

Poultry Pheasant Rearing and Release Welfare

Pheasants reared for shooting face welfare challenges during intensive rearing and after release into the wild environment.

Key Facts

Over 50 million pheasants are released annually in the UK for game shooting
Intensive rearing in overcrowded pens causes feather pecking and cannibalism
Releasing pen-reared birds exposes them to predation and starvation from lack of foraging skills
Anti-pecking devices including beak bits and spectacles are used in some rearing systems
Wild-reared pheasants from covey management have better welfare than pen-reared birds

Welfare Considerations

Pen-reared pheasants live in conditions causing significant welfare problems including feather pecking from overcrowding and stress. Released birds face predation and starvation as they lack wild-rearing skills. The welfare of approximately 50 million birds annually is a significant issue receiving limited regulatory attention. Improvements to rearing density, enrichment, and release management would substantially reduce suffering.

What You Can Do

Support pheasant welfare standards development through game welfare organisations
Advocate for maximum stocking density limits in pheasant rearing regulations
Choose game meat from operations with higher welfare rearing standards