Looking at new technology for Pheasant Farming

In 1929, MacFarlane Pheasant Farm, a family owned and operated business, was established. Many changes have occurred over the years as the business grew. The advancement and introduction of technology on the farm has facilitated this growth and continues to be a tool in making the farm successful. Presently, the hatchery is exploring the introduction of new technology: a candling machine. In 2003, at 10-14 days of incubation, all our pheasant eggs were candled by hand. It takes about 1 hour of labor to candle 7,170 eggs. So, hundreds of hours of labor were spent on candling eggs. Egg candling is important as it allows us to determine the fertility of each set. Fertility numbers are in turn used to determine the number of chicks we should expect to hatch.

We are currently reviewing custom designs and options presented by Nature Form in England. The machine will candle and mark each infertile egg to be removed. If purchased, the new machine will save many hours of labor.

Although a lot of things have changed since 1929, including the number of eggs we set and the number of day old chicks we ship, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the family atmosphere and dedication to quality here at MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.