As the West Texas winds begin to shift and the first signs of spring appear in Lubbock, our focus at T&T Game Birds turns from the hunt to the hatch. Spring is the most critical time for anyone looking to raise upland birds. Whether you are a landowner looking to stock your property, a dog trainer needing strong fliers, or a hobbyist starting your first covey, success starts with preparation.
Raising pheasants, quail, and chukar requires more than just a coop and some feed—it requires an understanding of their unique needs. Here is how to get your facility ready for a healthy, high-energy spring flock.
1. The Brooder: Creating a Safe Haven
The first few weeks of a game bird’s life are the most delicate. Unlike chickens, game bird chicks are exceptionally small and highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
-
Sanitization is Key: Before your chicks arrive, deep-clean your brooder with a bird-safe disinfectant. Game birds are susceptible to respiratory issues and parasites if housed in damp or dirty environments.
-
Temperature Control: Start your brooder at 95°F for the first week. We recommend using red infrared heat lamps; the red light is calmer for the birds and helps discourage pecking and cannibalism—a common challenge with ring-necked pheasants.
-
Draft-Free Housing: Ensure your brooder is well-ventilated but completely draft-free. A simple cardboard “chick guard” (a circular barrier) keeps the chicks near the heat source and prevents them from piling into corners.
2. Specialized Nutrition
You cannot raise a strong, “strong-flying” bird on standard poultry feed. Game birds require significantly higher protein levels to develop the muscle and feather quality needed for flight.
-
High Protein Starter: Look for a dedicated Game Bird Starter with at least 28% to 30% protein.
-
Clean Water: Use lukewarm water for new arrivals to avoid shocking their systems. We often suggest adding electrolytes or vitamins to the water for the first few days to give them a boost after the stress of transport.
-
Proper Feeders: For quail and chukar, ensure your feeders are low enough for their small beaks. To prevent drowning, place marbles or clean pebbles in the water base so the chicks can drink without falling in.
3. Transitioning to the Flight Pen
At T&T Game Birds, we take pride in birds that act and fly like wild game. To achieve this, your birds need space to exercise.
-
Avoid Overcrowding: Overcrowding is the leading cause of feather picking and aggression. As the birds grow, they need room to move. By 6 weeks, pheasants should ideally have at least 25 square feet per bird in a covered flight pen.
-
The “Flight” in Flight Pen: Ensure your pens are tall enough (at least 6-8 feet) to allow for vertical flight. Using soft netting for the top—rather than wire—will prevent the birds from injuring their heads (scalping) when they flush.
-
Natural Cover: Adding stalks of sorghum, corn, or even old Christmas trees to the pen provides hiding spots. This reduces stress and encourages the birds to use their natural instincts.
4. Species-Specific Tips
-
Pheasants: Watch closely for cannibalism. They are the most aggressive of the three and may require “peepers” (blinders) if picking becomes an issue.
-
Quail: They are masters of escape! Ensure your mesh is small enough (1/2 inch) to keep them in and predators out.
-
Chukar: These birds are hardy once they feather out but can be the most difficult to brood. Keep their environment bone-dry, as they are particularly sensitive to dampness.
Why Quality Matters
If you’ve hunted at T&T, you know the difference a healthy, well-raised bird makes. A bird that has been raised with the right protein, ample space, and clean conditions will flush harder and fly faster, providing a better experience for both the hunter and the dog.
Planning your spring flock? At T&T Game Birds, we expand our operations every year to meet the needs of West Texas hunters and trainers. If you’re looking for advice or looking to see how the pros do it, come visit us at the preserve!