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50 lb (22 kg) or more. Illustrations and descriptions of domesticated turkey breeds can be found in
American Poultry Association (2015).
Pheasants were first domesticated in Asia Minor (Quarles 1916). Breeds include the Ringneck,
Amherst, Reeves, Mongolian, Silver, and Golden. American breeders have crossbred pheasants to
suit commercial purposes, but it is often difficult to distinguish pure breeds from cross breeds.
Today they are popular birds raised for release at hunting clubs. Jumbo Ringnecks of 7 lb. (3 kg)
have been developed for the tables of many fine restaurants (Hayes 1995). In the early twentieth
century, Ringnecks were successfully introduced into many areas of the U.S., where wild popula-
tions continue to thrive or are replenished by regular releases.
The most commonly encountered domesticated quail breeds are Japanese and Bobwhite Quail.
Japanese Quail (also known as Pharaoh Quail, Coturnix japonica) were domesticated in Japan in
the eleventh century, initially for their singing and as pets (Hayes 1995). These birds reach sexual
maturity at 6 weeks of age, and are prolific producers of small eggs, for which they are currently
raised. They have also been a popular bird for scientific research because of their quick growth,
hardiness, and ease of rearing. Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) originated in North and Central
America, and there are many subspecies found throughout the continent. It is not clear when they
became domesticated, but they adapt easily to different environments. With many variations in
color pattern, they are raised for hunting clubs just as pheasants are. A jumbo Bobwhite of 22 oz.
(620 g) has been developed for the table; wild and other nonjumbo breeds usually weigh 7–8 oz
(225 g). Hayes (1995) is a good reference for more information on domesticated game bird rearing.

Domestication of Anseriformes

The wild Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is thought to be the first duck domesticated and is the pro-
genitor of all domesticated ducks except the Muscovy (Cairina moschata). Evidence suggests that
Mallards were domesticated around 500 BCE in Southeast Asia or Italy. Muscovies are thought to
have been domesticated in Colombia, likely over 1000 years ago (Holderread 2011). Ducks spread
throughout the world after their domestication because of their versatility in producing meat, eggs,
and feathers. Common breeds of ducks include Pekins, Runners, Khaki Campbells, Rouens, and
Swedish. Please see American Poultry Association (2015) and Holderread (2011) for descriptions
and illustrations of domestic duck breeds and their development. The latter also provides more
detailed information about raising these birds.
The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations) recognizes 96 domestic
goose breeds or genetic groups of geese around the world, although there are probably more.
Despite limited available information, it is thought that geese were among the first animals to be
domesticated about 3000 years ago in Egypt, although some research suggests that it may be earlier.
Domestic geese of the world derive from two different lineages: the wild Greylag goose (Anser
anser) from Europe and wild Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) from Asia. Despite its adaptability and
genetic diversity, commercial goose production is only important in few countries in Asia and
Europe (Buckland and Guy 2002).

Criteria for Intervention

Individual chicks are often brought to veterinary clinics or wildlife rehabilitation centers by good
Samaritans or are found wandering neighborhoods or streets after becoming lost. Chicks may be
identified that are starving or do not eat or drink well, or that display other nonspecific symptoms