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Game Birds
Frequently Asked Questions

    
Game Birds F.A.Q.s

Game Birds F.A.Q.s

What are game birds?

Game birds are birds that were traditionally wild and hunted, but are now being raised commercially for meat, egg production, or for release in hunting reserves. Game birds may include a number of species of guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, quail or squab (young pigeon). Common commercially raised game birds include the Chukar Partridge and Gray Partridge, the Ringneck Pheasant, the Bobwhite Quail, Japanese (Coturnix Japonica) Quail and Pharaoh Quail, and the Red Carneau, White King and Mondain Pigeons. While silkies are not considered a game bird we have included them on InfoBasket as a game bird as they are a niche market bird and their main market channels are very similar to those of the other game birds. The processing plants that slaughter smaller game birds also often slaughter silkies and the markets are largely a domestic Asian market for local BC production. For convenience we have included Silkies under game birds on InfoBasket.

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What type of game bird should I raise?

There is not one bird type that is suited to everyone’s individual production goals. For example, some producers may wish to select birds that have high egg production while another producer may select birds because of their rate of body weight gain or final body size, or temperament. It is important to investigate the markets thoroughly and become knowledgeable about the specific market requirements for each bird type. Potential producers should look at start-up costs, and all details of production requirements as well as the externalities such as environmental regulations, management of wastes, impact on neighbors and zoning provisions. It is also valuable to talk with established producers to learn about the particulars of raising different game bird species. Review how others are producing and marketing birds and then develop your own strategic business plan based on extensive literature research and information received from discussions with the production, processing, wholesale and retail industries. It is important not to begin producing until you are sure there is a market for your birds.

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Do I require special housing facilities to raise game birds?

Yes, you may require special housing facilities depending on the type of bird you intend to raise. You will have to determine if some or all production will be done indoors. Many of the types of game birds frighten easily, therefore, ensure that buildings are located away from vehicle traffic, people and pets. In addition, choose a location where the risk of predation is minimized. Additional housing requirements may include wire floors, nest and dust boxes, and growing and breeding pens.

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What are the key products of game birds?

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What do game birds eat?

It is important that game bird feeds meet the nutritional requirements for all stages of growth and development by ensuring that carbohydrate, protein, fat, amino acid, vitamin and mineral contents are properly balanced. Many game bird producers purchase feed from companies that specialize in the production of animal feeds, thus ensuring a properly balanced feed that suits the individual requirements of the bird. If game bird rations are not available, some producers use good quality turkey feeds that have been formulated for the specific growth period of the birds. Feed ingredients may include: soybean, corn, sorghum, wheat, alfalfa, barley, fat, bone meal, salts, vitamins and minerals. Depending on the bird age and type, pelleted, crumbled or mashed feed may be required. Diets may also differ between meat and hunting birds. In addition to feed, game birds require a good supply of quality water. Game bird feeds are generally high in energy and protein and hence tend to be expensive. In addition, many of the game birds have a poorer feed conversion than commercial broiler chickens so one must pay particular attention to feed wastage.

Game birds raised for hunting are fed differently than game birds raised for commercial meat yield. Birds raised for egg production are fed differently than birds raised for meat production. Breeders require a specialized ration to ensure hatchability.

Many of the game bird species raised for meat are fed a starter, grower and finisher diet.

Please see the Production section of InfoBasket for more detailed feed information. Because of the unique requirements of each type of game bird producers should consult their local feed supplier for specific details on feeding and nutrition before ordering feed so as to ensure proper diets.

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What are the production characteristics of Game Birds?

There is significant variation in production characteristics for game birds depending on the line, breeding, management and feed market requirements. Birds should be raised to meet known market requirements. Some producers choose to raise game birds to the weight where feed efficiency starts to decline. Game birds are often purchased on a weight basis but consumed on a piece basis in hotel, restaurant and institutional markets. Therefore growing birds to maximum weight is often not the most economical approach from a producer standpoint. The level of egg and meat production is highly dependent upon the lighting program used. Production is influenced by whether birds are raised indoors or outdoors.

Production characteristics of commonly grown game birds are shown below:

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How many days do I incubate game bird eggs? What temperature and humidity should I use?

Incubator manufacturers generally provide incubation information for each bird species, however the following information is provided as a general guideline: Each incubator has peculiarities which need to be adjusted to. It is important when incubating eggs not to confuse wet bulb temperature and relative humidity. Relative humidity is a ratio. Wet and dry bulb temperatures are measured in terms of degrees Fahrenheit (F) or degrees Celsius (C). The information below is for forced air incubators and hatchers. Temperatures generally are kept at higher levels in still air incubators and hatchers, than they are in forced air incubators. Note that these are guidelines only and optimal temperature and humidity depend upon elevation and egg size as well as incubator performance and make. Consult with your incubator manufacturer for specific guidance on the use of your particular incubator and hatcher.

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How long do I brood newly hatched chicks and at what temperatures?

Brooding temperatures will depend largely on whether brooders (lamps or hoods) are used or whole room brooding is used. When birds cannot move away from the heat source such as in forms of whole room brooding one can reduce the temperature by a few degrees. The key to good brooding is to watch the behavior of the birds.

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How do I start a game bird operation?

Check with the local municipality to ensure that you are following all zoning requirements. Assess the impact your plans will have on neighbors with respect to flies, odor, noise and other nuisances your farm could have on neighbors and plan to minimize any negative impacts before you start building.

It is important to start out with stock which has been well bred, is free of disease and chronic health problems. Ensure that any stock brought onto your farm is healthy. If new are added to an existing growing flock they should be kept in separate pens and kept quarantined for sufficient time to observe any developing disease problems.

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Whom do I contact when my game birds have health problems?

The first step should be to contact a private veterinarian. If you require a listing of avian veterinarians in your area, contact the:

British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association
Suite 107, 828 Harbourside Drive
Vancouver BC V7P 3R9
Telephone: 604 - 929 - 7090
Toll Free 1 800 463 5399
http://www.bcvma.org/

For diagnostic laboratory services, contact:
Animal Health Centre
1767 Angus Campbell Road
Abbotsford BC V3G 2M3
Telephone: 604 556-3003
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ahc/

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Is information on game birds available through the University of British Columbia?

Yes, the University of British Columbia has an Avian Research Center which has carried out both market and production research on many of the game birds. It also has staff and students interested and willing to consider potential research projects. Please contact:

Dr. K. Cheng, Professor
University of British Columbia
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
http://www.agsci.ubc.ca/
kmtc@unixg.ubc.ca

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What other information resources on game birds are available?

InfoBasket provides you with an electronic source of most of the major contacts you will need to establish your game bird business and be successful. The selected articles available through InfoBasket list a number of additional publications which will prove valuable as you develop your plans and your business.

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