Chicks orphaned in tragic accident doing well

27.07.11

Eight pheasant chicks have been rehabilitated at our wildlife centre in Cheshire after having a narrow escape from the blades of a mower.

Stapeley farmer David Leech rescued the eight pheasant chicks whilst mowing one of his fields. When he saw the chicks near the blades of his mower he immediately stopped the tractor and got out to check that the pheasants were OK.
 

The chicks were fine, but tragically the adult hen bird had become caught in the cutting blades. She didn't survive her injuries, leaving the chicks orphaned. 

Despite the pheasant chicks bolting in all directions, Mr Leech managed to round up the very young chicks. He took them to the nearby Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre last month, where they were examined and found to be fit and healthy.

Wildlife centre manager Lee Stewart said: 

The chicks are about five weeks old and are doing very well - they are at least triple their original size. It won’t be long before they are out in the main aviaries at the centre and preparing for their return to the wild.

It’s a sad fact that wild animals and birds are involved in tragic accidents like this, but we are so grateful to people like Mr Leech for taking the time to bring wild animals in to the centre when they need our help.

Giving the birds the very best care

Mr Leech who is based near Stapeley has taken wild birds to the centre before and knew it would be the best place for them to be cared for.

I’d seen a cock pheasant and six hens in the area for several months. I’m pleased the chicks are OK but it’s a shame I couldn’t save the hen.

I’m just grateful that the centre can take animals and birds in and rehabilitate them.

Our wildlife centres took in 16,446 sick, injured or orphaned wild animals during 2010. Find out what you should do if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal.

 

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Pheasants as farm animals

The pheasants at Stapeley were born in the wild and will soon return, but there are many pheasants who are not so lucky.

Around 30 million pheasants each year are reared on farms and some of those kept for breeding are housed in wire battery cages, unable to exhibit many natural behaviours. 

 

Farm animal week 25 - 31 July aims to raise the standards of all farmed animals by asking you to switch one item in your shopping basket for a higher welfare alternative. It makes a small difference to your pocket, but a big difference to the lives of animals.

 
Show your support for farm animal week.
 

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