I'd like to naturalize some game birds on my property just for enjoyment (not hunting!). I'd like to know about bobwhite quail and what I would need to raise them, release them, and keep them alive once they are released. I really like the quail's call and I think it would be cool to have some running around in the wild.
If I am not mistaken the bobwhite has been listed as one of the species of birds on the decline. I would think getting eggs or chicks would be very hard but it is a great gesture that you like to rear some to repopulate the species.
At least in IN, there are many places to get quail or their eggs. #1 predator is the common cat. If you have them around, good luck when the quail are turned loose. You can make a release pen, where they will come back for feed. They won't be tame as chickens tho.
The very first thing you need to do is talk to your game warden!! I know in TN we have to have a permit to sell/trade or release quail. The guy I talked to said as long as you are just raising them your ok (though to be on the safe side were getting our permit. The closer you can find a good source for quail the better. they are tiney little thing (like the size of a quarter) Read read read and look up as many websites as you can try this message board http://www.thatquailplace.com/index.htm I love my bobs. we had them in the house for forever and there little songs was such a delight. they are very homey. once they have found home (or other birds) they will come back to it. that web site has a lot of info on the return housing. some are called johnny houseswhere the bird returns to get food and water. Anyway this is some I have learned in the 2 1/2 months that we have had quail. hpe it helps. Crystal
I agree that you should start with contacting your local game commission. We raise bobwhites in PA and are permitted with the PA Game Commission to propogate (buy/sell) - but you cannot release without a dog training permit. And even with that permit, they are supposed to be recaptured in recall pens. I don't believe you are allowed to participate in general release here unless the birds originate from the game commission to ensure disease free stock. My understanding is that they're concerned with contaminating what is left of the wild population. Jody
You will have to get a permit and be inspected in order to release them. Feed them some good game bird starter and you'll need a flight pen which is a large pen with little human contact. After you release them not many will survive. You can plant millet for them or put out a range feeder. They are very aggressive so watch them closely.
Quote:This, my friend, is an understatement! ................. Remember that bully that you had at your school somewhere between the 1st grade and 12th grade? Take his temperament, and multiply it x1000, and you'll get the personality of the average "joe bobwhite" from the time he's 3 weeks until death do y'all part!