Abstract INCREASED demand for pheasants for release and for the dressed bird trade has prompted investigations for more efficient methods of production. One area where more efficient methods could reduce costs is with the breeder hen. Pheasant breeder hens are generally held in large outdoor wire pens in an attempt to simulate natural habitat. Thus large tracts of land are required as well as ample labor. Confinement of breeder hens would reduce the need for large land areas and reduce travel in egg pickup and breeder hen maintenance. However, certain problems arise when pheasants are closely confined. The first one encountered is picking or cannablism and generally some form of beak treatment is a requirement. Another problem is the reduced fertility and hatchability associated with confinement. A recent study by Adams et al. (1967), however, indicated that satisfactory reproductive performance could be obtained from pheasant breeders confined in wire cages. This . . .