The White Pheasants grown at MacFarlane Pheasants are used strictly for meat production. All of the dressed birds and food products we sell are white pheasants. Whites are the only birds we hatch year-round!
We are continually studying the factors that relate to better hatching procedures. Before we begin hatching a new batch of eggs, the incubators are given a deep cleaning. The cleaning process is staggered, so that we always have machines running to accommodate a group of eggs.
The primary goal in a planned hatching (which is continuous) is to adjust the time we set the eggs so that on hatch day, the chicks are ready to pull out of the hatchers by 7:00 a.m. This requires detailed note-keeping to time the hatches so closely!
Another critical factor in the hatching process is choosing the amount of time eggs are pre-warmed. Eggs are stored at around 55-60 degrees and then set into an incubator at 99 degrees. The amount of liquid mass to be warmed takes quite a bit of time. Pre-warming helps slowly increase the temperature to limit shock to the embryos.
Currently, we are researching how we store eggs and how it affects their hatchability. The longer an egg is stored before setting, the more the cells deteriorate. Deterioration lowers hatchability drastically. Depending on the number of eggs being produced, we may have to hold eggs for up to two weeks before they are set into the incubator.
We raise around 150,000-250,000 whites per year. Our dressed pheasants and all our food products produced from our white pheasants can be purchased online or at our on-site store at 2821 South U.S. Hwy 51, Janesville, WI USA 53546.