With summer now taking hold, game keepers up and down the country are beginning to release pheasants into their pens.
As we hit that seven-week stage, game keepers are busy working to ensure both pheasants and pens are ready for the transition. Erecting electric fencing, predator control, cover crops and other strategies will have been undertaken to give the birds the best possible start in the outside world.
Jamie Horner, sales manager at Marsdens Feeds says: “A lot of work goes into this time of year. It is important to provide an environment where birds are happy and comfortable with good availability to a grower diet as well as cover and shelter. This will minimise the risk of them wandering off.
“I believe in creating a mosaic of habitat for release birds which will also benefit struggling farmland bird species.”
Making use of cover crops is just one tactic which can be made use of to protect pheasants as they adapt to their new environment.
He says: “Cover crops need to be the right sort of species for your land and could lower supplementary feeding costs. In recent times there has been a move away from using maize and now more kale and seed mixtures are being used. Cover crops are particularly important on partridge shoots.”
“A holding crop can be another useful tool which can be used to ensure birds are feeding safely. In this instance, consider using a thicker, taller crop so birds trickle out.”
Feed is one of the highest input costs in gamekeeping, so achieving the best results is paramount. The better the nutrition, the better the performance and value, when it comes to cost of production.
Jamie says: “With increasing costs, the return rate is more important than it has ever been. By using supplementary feed at release such as Hold’em seed mixtures and split maize, greater returns will be achieved on shot birds.
“Feeding a diet with spice at this time can also really help to prevent birds from straying. Thought should also be put into siting water supplies and feeders. Establishing feeding areas is key to a successful release period, helping to reduce the risk of birds straying.
“A two stage feeding strategy is required to allow birds to adjust involving 1 tonne of grower and 1 tonne of release per 1,000 birds. Feeding two tonnes of feed per 1,000 pheasants will see poults on to wheat.
“Game birds suffer with stress at the time of release as they change environment and can lead to them picking up disease. Stress can be minimised by using the right feed at the correct time. Electrolytes can also be added to water.
“Fish meal is particularly important for the first two weeks of release before going on to release diet. Birds will grow and feather more quickly because of the natural protein.
“If you need help in making sure you have the right sized pellet for your feeders, speak to a Marsdens account manager.”
Contact our dedicated team of specialists for advice and how we can help your game business.
