Running a premier hunting preserve requires attention to detail, especially when it’s time to stock your fields. Whether you are hunting Ringneck Pheasants, Chukar, or Quail, the birds you release are the “product” your customers are paying for. If the birds don’t fly well or look ragged, it reflects on your business.
Here are the four non-negotiable factors to look for when selecting a game bird supplier.
1. Exceptional Feather Condition
A bird’s feathers are its “engine.” For a strong, explosive flush, a bird needs a full, clean set of feathers. When inspecting birds, look for:
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Intact Tail Feathers: Short or broken tails (often caused by overcrowding in pens) lead to poor flight stability.
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Vibrant Coloration: Healthy birds have a natural sheen. Dull or “picked” feathers can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or stress.
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Waterproofing: High-quality birds have well-oiled feathers that allow them to withstand dew or light rain without becoming waterlogged and “grounded.”
2. High “Flightiness” and Wild Instincts
The biggest complaint from hunters is “lazy” birds. You want game birds that behave like their wild counterparts—wary of humans and dogs, and quick to take to the skies.
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Minimal Human Contact: Top-tier breeders like T&T Game Birds use large flight pens with plenty of natural cover to ensure birds remain “wild” and retain their natural fear of humans.
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Strength and Speed: A bird should have the muscle tone to stay in the air. This is achieved through long flight pens that allow the birds to exercise their wings daily before they ever reach your preserve.
3. Disease Resistance and Biosecurity
The last thing a preserve owner wants is to introduce a disease into their existing population. Before buying, ask your supplier about their biosecurity protocols.
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NPIP Certification: Ensure your supplier is part of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). This ensures the birds are tested for major diseases like Avian Influenza and Pullorum-Typhoid.
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Uniformity: In a healthy flock, the birds should be uniform in size and weight. Large variances can be a red flag for underlying health or competition issues in the brooding house.
4. Acclimatization to the Elements
Birds raised in climate-controlled indoor environments often struggle when released into the “real world.” Look for a supplier that raises birds in outdoor flight pens protected by netting. This exposes the birds to natural weather patterns, sun, and wind, ensuring they are hardy enough to survive in your fields until the hunt begins.
The T&T Game Birds Difference
At T&T Game Birds, we don’t just raise birds; we raise athletes. We understand that preserve owners need birds that provide a challenge for the dogs and a thrill for the hunters. From our meticulous NPIP-certified breeding to our expansive flight pens, we ensure that every Pheasant, Quail, and Chukar we deliver is “hunt-ready.”
Ready to stock your preserve with the best in the business? Visit ttgamebirds.com to view our current availability or contact us today to discuss your seasonal needs.