Melanistic Mutant

History of Melanistic Mutant birds

The Melanistic Mutant is a new pure breed variety of the English common pheasant with striking blue-green, shimmering plumage. They have quickly become favorites to raise and release amongst those with large swaths of farmland. Melanistic Mutants are one of the premier pheasant varieties for keepers on the market currently, with strong egg production and fast reproduction rate. They are exceptionally tough, adaptable birds that have found homes in wildlands across the United States.

Temperment and good-to-knows

As Melanistic Mutants are pheasants and not domesticated chickens, keeping them brings its own special challenges. These are not docile chickens who will be happy to interact with humans, but rather flighty wildlife that will prefer to be far away from humans if it all possible. Keeping them contained will require a topper and adequate fencing, as they will try to escape if they can. Make sure that the habitat consists of they have plenty of room to roam about and forage, as these are wild birds with lots of energy. Pheasants, especially males, can be aggressive and will be more so if they are kept in too small of an enclosure, or if there are too many males around. Making sure not to crowd your birds should be a primary concern. Many pheasant keepers raise their chicks from a young age and release them into the wild as they get older, but make sure to check your state game and wildlife agency to be sure of the legality of owning or releasing gamebirds first.

Egg production from Melanistic Mutants stands at a reliable 40 to 60 eggs per season. These pheasants lay brown eggs that are small in size r. Though they rarely go broody, these birds have excellent reproductive capabilities and usually establish themselves well when they are released to the wild. Since they are smaller birds, they may not make great ‘dinner birds’ but can be hunted and eaten if desired. Preparing game bird meat can take a bit more preparation than chicken meat, but it has many fans across the world.

Visual characteristics of Melanistic Mutant pheasants

As a type of pheasant, Melanistic Mutants share similar builds to other pheasant types with their elongated, athletic bodies. Mutant males stand out with their attractive blue-green feathering which is complimented by a bright red face and striped tail. Their feathering can feature other colors as well, from a rusty brown to a purple sheen, but the bulk of their bodies remain dark blue-green. They are especially eye-catching against a snowy background, which allows their features and feathering to really stand out. Female Melanistic Mutants have a beautiful banding on their brown feathers. This breed is smaller than average domestic chickens at about 3.5 pounds fully grown, but they fall in line with many heavier pheasant breeds.

Health and care

Melanistic Mutants are exceptionally hardy, as most wild birds are. Their incredible survival instincts allow them to handle both hot and cold temperatures and will scoff at bad weather that would normally scare domestic chickens into the coop. When raising pheasants like the Melanistic Mutant, it is important to feed them the proper food, usually gamebird feed. They love to forage and will supplement their diets with whatever is available to them in the wild.

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What is the natural habitat of a Melanistic Mutant?

These pheasants prefer living in open spaces like grasslands, woodlands and agricultural areas, such as corn, soybean and small grain crop fields.

Are Melanistic Mutant pheasants more susceptible to any diseases or health issues?

No, these pheasants are hardy and possess keen survival skills in a variety of conditions.

What do Melanistic Mutant chickens eat?

The diet of Melanistic Mutant pheasants typically consists of a varied combination of plants, insects, seeds, grains and small invertebrates.

How should you care for a Melanistic Mutant Chicklet? 

To care for a melanistic mutant chick, provide a warm brooder with appropriate bedding and offer a balanced diet formulated for game bird or poultry chicks. Monitor their health while gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions, and consult avian experts for specific guidance.