24 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Just curious, turkeys and pheasants don't mix?

 

On 11/8/2017 at 7:08 AM, clhyer said:

 When the state introduced wild turkeys it was found that the turkeys carried some type of disease that just about wiped out the pheasant population.

Cal's statement got me to thinking, Gene. Could just be coincidence.

John

One thing to consider is this, pheasants are not native to this continent. They were first introduced in the late 1700's by the English. The breed(s) were not hardy enough and didn't last. It wasn't until the late 1800's, that the ringnecked pheasant was introduced into Oregon from China. The introduction was a success and they were bred and transplanted across the country.

 

Most people don't know the history and assume, that, the pheasants are native. They are not!

 

So, in reality, the turkey's were here first. Like all "invasive" (read transplanted) species they are not always compatible with the native species. Although I have never read of any transferred diseases or lack of immunities there may be a case of where pheasants just aren't resistant to the same exposures as the wild turkey. The turkeys may carry and be immune to a bacteria, virus, or parasite for which the pheasant has no immunity resistance.

Edited November 9, 20178 yr by schnewj