White pheasant chicks

[Jimbob39]

We have hatched 18 white pheasant chicks. They seem resistant to eating/drinking having hatched from lunchtime yesterday to 10pm. Previous hatches have been much more up and at it, these are the first whites we’ve done. Any advise or just leave them to it? They have chick crumb and water. The crumb is in a low tray and scattered about.

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Put crumbs on a foot square sheet of foil, when the chicks run over it the crumbs bounce around. Mimics mum dropping food in front of them.
Caveat- if you keep them in with the normal coloured chicks, they'll probably be bullied. Worst are the white spots on melanistic chicks elbow joints, with completely white/leucistic chicks they'll quite often get bashed by the others purely for being different.
If you can separate them until bitting time then they can go back with the normal ones.

 

[BenBhoy]

Similar to above, try feeding on anything tight (think snare drum) that causes food to bounce when they peck.

 

[Goingback]

Put crumbs on a foot square sheet of foil, when the chicks run over it the crumbs bounce around. Mimics mum dropping food in front of them.
Caveat- if you keep them in with the normal coloured chicks, they'll probably be bullied. Worst are the white spots on melanistic chicks elbow joints, with completely white/leucistic chicks they'll quite often get bashed by the others purely for being different.
If you can separate them until bitting time then they can go back with the normal ones.

Yes, ditto this. They will also have a go at any white spots on their toes (white ones and melanistics) anything out of the ordindary. Their yolksack will keep them going for a fair while.
Don't skimp on the crumb. Put it everywhere for first 72 hours.

 

[Jimbob39]

Thank you for the advice. Done that and they are pecking away. Seem to be the sheep of the game bird world!

 

[Gamekeeperwill]

Is lighting sufficient enough? They have to be able to see feed and water. Don't fill trays to the top. Just a handfull in middle will be enough. But like what's already been said, foil works well, snd some solulite in the water will help. They need to be able to differentiate between bedding and food/water