Pheasant Egg Incubation & Hatching FAQs

Wondering how long pheasant eggs take to hatch or what temperature and humidity your incubator should maintain? Whether you’re hatching pheasant eggs for the first time or managing an established gamebird operation, successful incubation starts with understanding the basics.

At MacFarlane Pheasants, we have decades of experience incubating and hatching pheasant eggs. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about the pheasant incubation period, egg turning, temperature, humidity, candling, and common hatching problems to help you prepare for a successful hatch. Want more detailed step-by-step advice? Download our Complete Guide to Pheasant Egg Incubation & Hatching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hatching Pheasant Eggs

How long do pheasant eggs take to hatch?

The normal incubation time of pheasant eggs is 23-25 days. Time will be affected by incubation temperature, genetics, and management.

How long do pheasant eggs take to hatch in the wild?

The normal incubation time of pheasant eggs in the wild is 23 days. Get more details about pheasant habitat and facts on our pheasant facts page.

What are the recommended temperature and humidity profiles for incubating pheasant eggs?

Day 1 – 20 (Incubator) the temperature should be 99°F and the humidity should be 83°F wet bulb (53% relative humidity).

Day 21 – 25 (Hatcher) the temperature should be 97.8°F and the humidity should be 83-84°F wet bulb (51%-53% relative humidity).

NOTES:

When chicks actively begin to hatch (approximately 23½ -24 days) increase humidity to 91°F wet bulb (75-76% relative humidity).
“Actively hatching” is when the majority of the eggs are pipped and a few chicks may have already hatched but are still wet.
Increasing humidity prevents chicks from sticking to the egg shell membrane.
Temperature and the turning of the eggs are the two most important factors in the hatching of pheasant chicks.
Extremes in temperature (high or low) and not turning the eggs for periods of over twenty-four hours will severely reduce hatchability.
Humidity has much less disastrous effects, but can become a factor when extremes occur over long periods of time (e.g. 7 plus days at humidity plus or minus 10%)

Get more detail on incubation steps in our complete Incubation Guide.

How do you incubate pheasant eggs at home?

To incubate pheasant eggs at home, you’ll need a reliable incubator that maintains consistent temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning.

Start with clean, fertile pheasant eggs and make sure your incubator is operating correctly before setting them. Follow the recommended incubation conditions for your equipment and monitor them throughout the approximately 23–25-day pheasant incubation period.

During incubation, turn the eggs regularly, monitor embryo development through candling, and prepare a brooder before the chicks begin hatching.

For more detailed instructions, download our free Pheasant Incubation Guide.

How often should you turn pheasant eggs during incubation?

Eggs should be turned daily from day 1 to 20.

When should you stop turning pheasant eggs?

Pheasant eggs should generally stop being turned around day 20 or 21 of incubation, approximately three days before the expected hatch.

This allows developing chicks to position themselves properly inside the eggs before hatching.

How should you store fertile pheasant eggs before incubation?

Fertile pheasant eggs should be stored in a clean, cool environment before being placed in an incubator.

A storage temperature of approximately 55–60°F is generally recommended. Keep the eggs with their small ends pointing downward and avoid sudden temperature changes.

For the best hatchability, aim to begin incubation within three to five days of collection when possible. Eggs may remain viable longer, but hatchability generally declines with extended storage.

When should you candle pheasant eggs?

You can begin candling pheasant eggs approximately ten days after incubation starts.

How can you tell if a pheasant egg is fertile?

One of the best ways to check whether a pheasant egg is developing is through candling after 10 days of incubation.

Candling cannot always distinguish between an infertile egg and one in which development stopped early. If you’re unsure about an egg’s development, reassess it after a few days rather than immediately discarding it.

What happens if pheasant eggs don't hatch after 25 days?

Although the typical pheasant incubation period is approximately 23–25 days, hatching times can vary depending on temperature, genetics, and incubation management.

If your pheasant eggs haven’t hatched by day 25, review your incubation records and check for signs of activity, such as pipping, movement, or sounds from inside the eggs.

Lower-than-recommended incubation temperatures can delay development, while other incubation problems may affect hatchability.

Avoid repeatedly opening the incubator or hatcher during an active hatch, as changes in humidity can interfere with the hatching process.

Why are my pheasant eggs not hatching?

Several factors can affect pheasant egg hatchability, including:

Temperature fluctuations: Prolonged exposure to temperatures that are too high or too low can interfere with embryo development.
Improper humidity: Excessively high or low humidity can affect moisture loss and hatching.
Inadequate egg turning: Failing to turn eggs regularly can negatively affect embryo development.
Poor egg storage: Improper storage temperatures or holding eggs too long before incubation can reduce hatchability.
Infertile eggs: Eggs must be fertile for embryos to develop.
Poor ventilation: Developing embryos require adequate oxygen.
Contamination: Dirty equipment or contaminated eggs can create problems during incubation.

Keeping accurate incubation records can help you identify patterns and improve future hatch results.

Should you help a pheasant chick hatch out of its egg?

Generally, it’s best to allow pheasant chicks to hatch naturally.

Hatching takes time, and chicks may rest between breaking through the shell and emerging completely.

Attempting to help a chick hatch too early can cause bleeding, injuries, or other complications because the chick may not have finished absorbing its yolk or blood vessels.

Maintain appropriate hatcher conditions and avoid unnecessary handling. If you’re concerned that a chick is struggling, consult an experienced hatchery professional before attempting to assist.

Ready to Hatch Your Own Pheasants?

Whether you’re starting a small flock or raising pheasants for a larger gamebird operation, MacFarlane Pheasants is here to help!

We offer fertile pheasant hatching eggs and helpful resources to guide you through the incubation process. Explore our available varieties, review pricing, and get started planning your next hatch.