Chick Ordering Now Open for Spring and Summer 2026

Chick ordering for Spring and Summer 2026 is now officially open at MacFarlane Pheasants. Whether you are raising chicks to stock for hunting preserves, dog training, field trials, or expanding your operation, now is the time to reserve the birds you need.

Ordering early helps ensure availability for your preferred hatch dates and gives you the best selection of breeds. Our team is ready to help you plan for a successful season with strong, healthy chicks.

Orders can be placed quickly and easily online. Simply select your breeds, choose your shipping week, and order online.

Chick Breeds Available for 2026

As always, MacFarlane Pheasants offers a strong lineup of proven, high-quality chick varieties for the upcoming season:

• Chinese Ringneck: Our most popular pheasant, known for strong flight, excellent survival, and versatility.
• Kansas Ringneck: A hardy, well-balanced bird recognized for durability and dependable performance.
• Chukar: Ideal for dog training and hunting, known for their strong flying ability and quick flush.
• Melanistic Mutant: A darker-feathered pheasant with great visibility and strong flying characteristics.
• Extra Large Ringneck: Bred for size and presence, making them a great option for hunting preserves.
• Manchurian Cross: A colorful, attractive bird with excellent flight and strong field performance.

How It Works

First time ordering? Here’s what to expect after you place your order online.

• Customers receive a notification email about 3 weeks prior to their selected hatch week. This email will tell them which day their chicks are scheduled to hatch. We hatch on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Chicks are shipped the same day they hatch, and customers will receive a tracking number that evening between 5 and 9 pm.
• If, for any reason, the tracking email isn’t received, customers can also log in to their account, call us, or email us to get the tracking information.
• We ship all of our chicks via the USPS Priority Mail, which is a 2-3 day service.
• The Post Office calls and notifies the customer once the chicks have arrived at the post office, and coordinates pickup.

Caring for Day-Old Chicks

Here are some quick tips on how to care for your day-old chicks. You’ll need to start prepping prior to their arrival.

1. Prepare their brooder first
   • Make sure the brooder (a warm, safe enclosure) is ready before your chicks arrive.
   • Include clean bedding like pine shavings (avoid cedar) and enough space for them to move away from heat if needed.
2. Keep them warm
   • Chicks need about 95°F-100°F the first week.
   • Use a heat lamp or brooder plate, and lower the temperature a few degrees per week until fully feathered.
   • Make sure there’s space for chicks to move closer to or away from the heat source.
3. Provide clean water and chick starter feed
   • Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning, and change water daily.
   • Dip the chicks’ beaks in water after arrival – they may be slightly disoriented. 
   • Provide high-quality chick starter feed with at least 28% protein for healthy growth.
4. Limit stress and handle gently
   • Avoid overcrowding; about 1/2 square foot per chick for the first week.
   • Keep the brooder in a quiet, draft-free location and handle chicks gently when necessary.
5. Monitor their behavior
   • Chicks that huddle under the heat may be cold; those avoiding the heat may be too warm.
   • Healthy chicks are active, alert, and eating/drinking well.
6. Keep the brooder clean
   • Replace bedding regularly and clean water/feed containers to prevent disease.
7. Gradually introduce them to the outdoors (optional)
   • Once chicks are fully feathered at 6–8 weeks, you can gradually start acclimating them to outdoor conditions.

Looking for more advice? Download our free guide, The Insider’s Guide to Pheasant Rearing, online today for more detailed advice.

Reserve Your Chicks Early

Spring and summer hatch dates fill quickly each year. Placing your order early helps secure availability and allows us to better plan for your needs. Whether you need a small group or a large volume, we are here to help you prepare for a successful season.

Visit Chicksquote.pheasant.com today to submit your order request and get started.