[harefarm]

Does any one keep partridge?

If so
1 Are they easy to keep?
2 What breed is the best to go for?
3 Any other information?
4 Is there much call for them?

My OH has suggested that we think about breeding them.

Thanks
Ruth

[Fowlman]

I used to hatch a batch of English grey partridge each year for release, part of the conservation project. I also did a few french partridge for eating and sold a few to people.

[doganjo]

They are wild birds, I presume you would be rearing them for shooting?  Don't think they do well in captivity.  Are you considering greys or red legs?

This may help

http://www.iucnsscrsg.org/download/Guidelines%20for%20re-establishing%20grey%20partridges%20through%20releasing.pdf

[Mrs Snoodles]

From the gamekeepers I know that if you can, rear as late as possible.  Soggy cold weather really knocks growers, as does wind and those high panel pheasant pens are an ideal answer.  Lots of cover to address stress issues (panels on very high grassy area would be ideal)   When adult they ought to be allowed a very large area.   Reds are fairly easy and standard.  You could keep and rear for meat, dressed partridge around her are about £5 per brace.

[harefarm]

Thank you for the info. I will have a proper read through later today.

Space isn't a too much of a problem - we have one huge poultry shed which originally held 10,000 birds which we are adapting to our needs and can easily adapt for partridge and 21 acres of ground with plenty of little copses. I just need to work out how much space I need to give them. We also have chalky soil so drainage is good

At present I have chickens and some slightly ageing female quail - although more hatching eggs on the way. I got the girls I have as pets before we moved but am thinking it is time to part with them. They are 14 months old, but I have grown rather attached to these girls in that time.

[doganjo]

Yes, as soon as they start ';talking' back to you, you are hooked.     Don't think I'd feel the same about partridge - they are usually on the end of one of my dog's noses - well a few feet away  or on my plate 

[harefarm]

That sounds right for quail. I don't normally have too much of a problem preparing birds for food, but after 14 months it is a bit difficult to think about with the quail. I would rather they went to someone to keep as pets they for me to have to cull them. They may be a little tough now anyway.

I only have one hen that I class as a pet since I have had her for 2 3/4 years since she was a week old. but she is such a sweetie. I can take her and the new ones I have had since January for a walk if I wanted. LOL

[Mrs Snoodles]

we are in the same gang here  , 8 of them kept on.  When the weather warms up and we are out in the garden it'll be lovely to hear their calls though.