Pheasant?

[wildfowler.250]

I cleaned a hen pheasant the other day which I shot on friday and I found an egg in it. Any ideas why it had eggs in it so late on in the year? I was guessing that it was possibly egg bound or something as the weather hasn't exactly been warm. Would be interested to hear of any similar experiences?

[anser2]

While its unusual its not that surprising. Many birds will try to extend the breeding season if they are in good enough breeding condition and the weather is reasonably mild. In the majority of cases the brood or clutch dies because of the weather or lack of food for the chicks. Many of will see in the papers records of blackbirds breeding at xmas time or the increaing trend of wood pigeons to breed throught the year and mallard with ducklings on village ponds in December. Where the birds are fed by man the likelyhood of winter breeding becomes even more likely as the birds are able to maintain a high body condition, ie like your pheasant who has probably been fed by a gamekeeper.

[Fisherman Mike]

Pheasants are of the Genus Gallus and of the family Phasianidae The same family as the Jungle fowl, the ancestor of the domestic Chicken.

 

Its not unusual for the Phasianidae family to produce eggs throughout the year if they are well fed as Anser pointed out and have sufficient calcium levels the eggs will form with hard shells and be "laid". If not they will often be re-absorbed.

 

When I was a lad two canada geese landed in a field behind our house. This was quite unusual because they were not common birds in those days. After watching them for about an hour they flew off. I noticed something had been left behind and thought they may have shed a feather or two and as I used to make goose quill floats I went over to have a gander ( excuse the Pun) To my suprise it was a perfectly formed egg which I had for tea that night. Nothing unusual you say...However it was January the 6th and there was 6 ins of snow on the ground.!

[wildfowler.250]

While its unusual its not that surprising. Many birds will try to extend the breeding season if they are in good enough breeding condition and the weather is reasonably mild. In the majority of cases the brood or clutch dies because of the weather or lack of food for the chicks. Many of will see in the papers records of blackbirds breeding at xmas time or the increaing trend of wood pigeons to breed throught the year and mallard with ducklings on village ponds in December. Where the birds are fed by man the likelyhood of winter breeding becomes even more likely as the birds are able to maintain a high body condition, ie like your pheasant who has probably been fed by a gamekeeper.

 

Thanks for the reply! I would have to agree that the birds are in good condition at the moment. I've got feed out for them and there is also plenty for them to scratch around for in the fields

[wildfowler.250]

Pheasants are of the Genus Gallus and of the family Phasianidae The same family as the Jungle fowl, the ancestor of the domestic Chicken.

 

Its not unusual for the Phasianidae family to produce eggs throughout the year if they are well fed as Anser pointed out and have sufficient calcium levels the eggs will form with hard shells and be "laid". If not they will often be re-absorbed.

 

When I was a lad two canada geese landed in a field behind our house. This was quite unusual because they were not common birds in those days. After watching them for about an hour they flew off. I noticed something had been left behind and thought they may have shed a feather or two and as I used to make goose quill floats I went over to have a gander ( excuse the Pun) To my suprise it was a perfectly formed egg which I had for tea that night. Nothing unusual you say...However it was January the 6th and there was 6 ins of snow on the ground.!

 

Interesting to here that! Would never have thought geese would bother laying eggs in January,(even if they were in good condition). Sounds like you did alright from it though