As we enter July and August more and more partridge will reach the point of release. Marsdens’ sales manager Jamie Horner tells us more.
Appropriate feeding of partridge is essential from the moment a bird hatches and is a crucial part of successful game management if carried out correctly, leading to a smooth transition at release.
Moving from a controlled environment to release pens and then the wider environment, the transition of release can be a challenge on partridge. At this time of year, birds are initially placed in pens at around 10-13 weeks of age where they remain up to release.
“Release requires careful planning and execution,” says Jamie Horner, Marsdens’ sales manager. “Proper nutrition is vital for partridge at the point of release because it significantly impacts their survival and adaptation to the wild.
“By providing the right nutrition, facilitating the transition to natural foraging, and monitoring the birds’ adaptation, game keepers can improve survival rates and therefore quality of shoots.”
Success depends on the availability of food and suitable habitat making management, including the planting of native vegetation for food and cover, integral to the overall release strategy. Partridge need good access to food, clean water, grit and shelter as well as areas of longer grass for cover and nesting.
“Birds need a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth, feather development, and overall health. A well-fed partridge is more likely to have a robust immune system, enabling it to fend off diseases and parasites common in wild environments,” says Jamie.
In the early stages, feeding will take place in the release pen but as birds begin to move around the shoot, they will need to be fed in other locations which will help to encourage them in the desired areas.
He says: “Everyone has their own preference when it comes to feeding partridge at release but fishmeal can really play a key part.
“In the last few weeks before release, feed birds using the same type of feeder as used for released birds. We can help with advising on the correct pellet size for your feeder. Talk to your account manager to decide what’s best for your system.”
Jamie continues: “Once released, continuous monitoring of partridges is essential to assess their health and adaptation to the wild. Observations help to determine whether the birds are finding enough food and if the feeding stations are effective.”
If signs of malnutrition or health issues are observed, adjustments to the feeding strategy may be necessary. This could include increasing the frequency of feeding, changing the type of feed, or relocating feeding stations to more favourable areas.
“When it comes to feeding, you want to consider available time and how easy it is to move birds. Partridge tend to like manola feeders which they also use as shelter from elements.
Location of these feed points is key and they need access to be topped up. It is advised feeders are positioned at least 10 metres apart, with 20 birds to the feeder,” says Jamie.
“Spinning or hand feeding can help to control movement especially if trained to a whistle, and can encourage natural behaviour. If using this feeding technique, it must be carried out regularly to ensure a constant supply. If over-wintering, hand feeding can help to provide a top up of food if conditions are cold,” he concludes.
For assistance or advice, speak to your Marsdens account manager.
Contact our dedicated team of specialists for advice and how we can help your game business.
