How to Raise Chinese Francolins? Artificial Breeding Techniques and Precautions

We all know that francolins not only have a pleasant call, but francolin meat is very delicious, and francolin eggs are also very nutritious. So when you see a francolin, do you know what category it belongs to? Can you name the specific species? Today, the editor will introduce to you the Chinese francolin. The Chinese francolin is very hard to spot. Its claws are strong, and it is good at walking on the ground. Although it does not fly often, it flies very fast.

How to Raise Chinese Francolins

1. Raising method: Francolins can be free-range or cage-raised. Cage raising is generally more common, as it can make full use of indoor space. A stocking density of about 10 birds per sq m allows female francolins that are unwilling to mate to escape the pursuit of male francolins, and the fertilization rate of breeding eggs is also relatively high.

2. Male-to-female ratio: For laying francolins, the male-to-female ratio is best at 1:4—5. This can give full play to the reproductive capacity of male and female francolins, and can also reduce fights among male francolins. The fertilization rate of breeding eggs is high and the breakage rate is low.

3. Light control: Female francolins reach sexual maturity at about 180 days, and male francolins one month earlier. Increase light 3 weeks before female francolins begin laying, and increase light for male francolins 2 weeks earlier than for female francolins. Electric lights can be used for supplemental lighting, averaging 3 watts per sq m, with lights 2 m above the ground. Ensure a total of 14 hours of light per day. Supplemental lighting should be even and the light stable.

Artificial Breeding Techniques and Precautions for Chinese Francolins

I. Breeding techniques

1. Egg laying. Wild francolins generally lay eggs and reproduce from March to June, which is seasonal reproduction. The laying rate of artificially raised francolins is almost the same as that of wild francolins, and the laying rate is very low. Under good controlled conditions, the breeding season is extended. However, they cannot lay eggs all year round, and the annual egg production is about 20 eggs. The reproductive performance of francolins is affected not only by the genetic factors of the parents, but also by external environmental factors such as nutrition and management.

2. Sexual maturity. Female francolins reach sexual maturity earlier than male francolins. The sexual maturity period of female francolins is 200-240 days, while male francolins are delayed by 2-3 weeks. Therefore, nutrition and light must be increased for male francolins in advance.

3. Pairing. Under wild conditions, they pair one male with one female. Under artificial domestication, they can be grouped with one male and multiple females, using free mating.

II. Precautions

Separate the top of the cage with cloth so they do not hit the cage; do not keep watching them every day, and even more do not lift the covering cloth; pay attention to providing water, and feed must be sufficient; do not let dogs and other animals come near; do not make loud noises.

How to Handle Illness When Raising Chinese Francolins

1. The first disinfection of francolins should be no earlier than 10 days of age, and thereafter once every 7-10 days. During an outbreak, it can be done once a day. Disinfect with the francolins present once after each manure cleaning.

2. Precautions during disinfection: Clean the francolin house frequently, and promptly remove manure, dirt and dust, so as not to reduce disinfection quality; when spraying disinfectant, the nozzle must not point directly at the francolins, the concentration and dosage of the solution must be controlled accurately, and the degree of spraying should be such that the ground, walls and roof are evenly moistened and the body surface of the francolins is slightly wet.

3. The water temperature should be appropriate to prevent the francolins from getting chilled and catching cold; after spraying, open the windows for ventilation so they dry as soon as possible.

Breeding Prospects for Raising Francolins

1. High nutrition: According to testing by the School of Public Health of West China Medical University, the protein contained in francolin meat is 30.1%, 1 times higher than ordinary chicken meat, while the fat content is 4.2% lower.

2. Easy to raise, low cost: Francolins are omnivorous birds, francolins have strong disease resistance, and raising them is simple.

Chinese francolins like warmth and fear cold, like dust bathing, and like sunlight. Chinese francolins like to move alone or in pairs, and are good at forming flocks. They fly very fast, and their alertness is extremely high. They always hide in grass or bushes, and are extremely difficult to find. Wanting to find them is very hard!