Effect of laying time on hatching results and some egg quality characteristics in Caucasian pheasants

This study aimed to investigate the effects of oviposition time on egg quality, hatchability, and chick quality in Caucasian pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). A total of 40 female and 4 male pheasants were used in a controlled trial. Eggs were collected twice daily-once in the morning (10:00-11:00) and once in the afternoon (16:00-17:00)-over a 120-day period. Randomly selected 60 eggs were analyzed for internal and external quality characteristics, and incubated to assess hatchability and chick quality, the latter evaluated using the Tona scoring system. The results showed that 66.82 % of eggs were laid in the afternoon, indicating a species-specific laying rhythm. While oviposition time did not significantly affect egg quality parameters such as shell thickness, albumen index, or Haugh units, it had a significant impact on hatchability and chick quality. Afternoon-collected eggs yielded higher hatchability rates and better chick quality scores. Based on these findings, adding a third daily egg collection may reduce storage time and improve chick viability. Oviposition time is a manageable factor that can enhance reproductive efficiency, and adjusting collection schedules to natural laying rhythms offers a simple, low-cost way to improve hatchery results. Future studies should also consider environmental and nutritional factors.