Breeding Habits Of the Ringneck
In General, Ringnecks are polygamous. Meaning a cock bird can have a dozen or so hens. So even if a large percentage of pheasants are harvested, the population will not suffer. Roosters get hens to breed by strutting with ruffled feathers, erect ears, and wattles swollen and bright red.

Eggs are laid in small depressions scratched into the ground by the hen, lined with feathers and grasses.

Predators, such as the skunk, the raccoon, and snakes eat a large number of the eggs. Fox, hawks, and even the House Cat may destroy many of the chicks. If the nest is destroyed. The hen might nest again. But the nests are usually smaller as the attempts increase.

The eggs usually hatch early summer. The hen also usually stays with the young for 2 to 3 months.