After all the eggs are laid (the actual number will depend on the energy reserves of the hen and time of year), the hen will begin incubating and only leave the nest 1 or 2 times to feed each day. The average clutch (number of eggs in a nest) is 12, but they may lay up to 18.
Once the nest is built, hens lay 1 egg each day. Hens, attracted by crowing, locate roosters, and if they can find good nesting cover, begin nest building. The nesting season begins with courtship as roosters scatter from winter cover to establish territories. During each phase the pheasant faces different challenges. The annual life cycle of a pheasant can be broken into four major phases (nesting, brood rearing, foraging and winter survival) that roughly correlate with the seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter).
