Whilst the breeding of the pheasant is closely controlled by David the Gamekeeper, mother nature shows us how it's really done and we have plenty of pheasant nesting in the scrub around the grounds. All very well camouflaged.
These seem to be doing quite well, with large clutches of eggs and we try to disturb them as little as possible. All of them, Estate reared or not will be well fed and mingle once they are grown.
Meanwhile the eggs are 'pippin' in large numbers in the hatchery as the little chicks fight their way out. The trays are no longer rocking and the bases are solid so the chicks can't fall through.
It's fascinating to watch as the chick cuts a circular hole around the top of the egg as it cuts it's own 'hatch' out. For linguists - verb 'hatch' as in life from an egg, noun 'hatch' as in doorway (often nautical).
Flipping the top back and emerging as an independent life.
Looking a little grumpy before the feathers fluff up. The temperature and humidity are still regulated to give it the best chance of survival before being taken into the 'nursery'.
Little chick being transported into the nursery.
Lots of mates to play with, and still temperature regulated.
Not long before they get moved to the outside pens.
