Pheasant Nest Question?

Hey everyone, about 2 weeks ago I took my dog for a walk down the field road behind our place. She got super birdy and before I knew it a hen pheasant flushed from the fenceline. Upon further investigation, I found her nest with 16 olive green eggs in it. Today I went back (alone) to see how things were coming along and it appears the hen hasn’t been back since our encounter. Eggs were cool and brush had started to enclose the nest. Is it possible she abandoned the nest because of our encounter? Would it be possible to raise these yet with an incubator? I’m kinda bummed because I was really looking forward to watching the chicks grow. Thanks for any input!

good question
because you went back and she wasn’t there is a good sign that she bailed out.
hopefully she’ll “re nest” elsewhere with a new hatch. Don’t blame yourself though, just part of the ecosystem

Two weeks is a long time to be gone, they are likely rotten. Eggs typically require things like rotating daily and staying at a consistent temperature.

I agree with Munchy, the eggs are toast after 2 weeks. I am pretty sure she would have gone and started new nest somewhere else.

Yeah, I am sure the eggs are not viable anymore.

I’d highly doubt that your brief encounter caused the hen to abandon her nest, so I wouldn’t worry to much about it. There are a multitude of things that could have happened to her. Bummer, yes, but nature is harsh.

I know you weren’t on a WMA, but just a friendly reminder for all that:

Subp. 22. Animal trespass. A person may not permit or allow livestock, horses, or other domestic animals within a wildlife management area, except:
A. dogs accompanied by or under the control of the owner, except from April 16 through July 14 when dogs must be on a leash; or
B. under a cooperative agreement or permit approved by the wildlife manager. Field trials are prohibited, except by permit from the wildlife manager.

(from MN statute 6230.0250 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR USE OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS)

So would Bambi chops or pheasant eggs taste better?

nhamm wrote:

So would Bambi chops or pheasant eggs taste better?

Why choose. Steak and eggs!

We should take our dogs walking together. We’ll eat like kings.

suzuki wrote:

We should take our dogs walking together. We’ll eat like kings.

LOL!