Partridge Rearing Techniques and Key Points of Daily Management

The partridge, also known as the Chinese partridge, is a species of bird. Its body shape resembles that of a chicken but is smaller, and its feathers are mostly a mix of black and white, with the eye-like white spots on the back, chest and belly being especially prominent. It combines meat, ornamental and medicinal value in one. Below, let us take a look at partridge rearing techniques

Partridge Rearing Techniques

Young partridges should be moved into the growing house no later than 9 weeks of age. They can be raised on the floor, on wire netting or in cages. To prevent blackhead disease, coccidiosis and parasitic diseases, raising on wire netting and in cages is recommended. Since partridges have a fairly strong flying ability, flight pens can be set up outside the house. Stocking density: at 4 to 6 weeks of age, 0.03 sq m per bird, or an average of 35 birds per sq m; at 6 to 10 weeks of age, 0.06 sq m per bird, or an average of 15 birds per sq m. Lighting should be 14 to 16 hours per day and night (low intensity), using 0.5 to 1 watt per sq m. Red light gives good results. Feed 3 to 4 times a day, drinking water must not be interrupted, pay attention to environmental hygiene, and strengthen observation and care. For meat-type young partridges, fix the lighting at 20 hours from the start until marketing; by 16 weeks of age they can reach 92% of adult body weight, with male young partridges reaching 0.6 kg and female young partridges averaging 0.5 kg, at which point they can be marketed. The feed conversion ratio is about 2.04:1. Partridges raised for hunting should be marketed at 16 to 20 weeks of age, which gives relatively high economic returns.

Partridges from 0 to 8 weeks of age can be successfully brooded in multi-tier cages or on the floor. Most commercial chicken cages can be used with only slight modifications to the cage bottom, feed trough and drinker. To reduce foot and ankle injuries, a 0.6 cm thick mesh plastic mat can be laid on the bottom. At 6 weeks of age they should be moved into growing cages or pens for rearing. Management techniques are basically the same as for young domestic chickens. To prevent feather pecking, beak-trim at 6 to 9 days of age, then trim the beak once more at 6 weeks of age. Use a beak-trimming machine to remove 1/4 to 1/3 of the upper beak. If the beak is not trimmed, specially made plastic nose rings can also be worn.

Key Links in Partridge Brooding

Over the past two years, the market for the American partridge, a special rare poultry that combines medicinal, food and ornamental value, has remained strong, and the breeding industry has become increasingly booming. However, partridge breeding is not as simple and easy as it is said to be; only by mastering skilled breeding techniques can success be ensured. The key management points for partridge brooding are introduced below:

1. Temperature and humidity

① Temperature Temperature is the most critical link during partridge brooding, and a suitable temperature can increase the survival rate. At 1 to 2 weeks of age, the indoor temperature should be controlled at 33°C; at 3 to 5 weeks of age, the indoor temperature should be 28°C; at 6 to 7 weeks of age, 26°C; and after 8 weeks of age, 24°C.

② Humidity Excessive humidity easily leads to fungal infection; too little humidity easily leads to respiratory diseases. Generally, the relative humidity at 1 week of age is 60% to 70%, and after 1 week of age the relative humidity is 55% to 60%.

2. Ventilation While ensuring temperature, proper ventilation should be carried out to increase oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, which is beneficial for the normal metabolism of young partridges.

3. Density If the density is too high, their activity space is restricted and they fight each other, increasing mortality; if the density is too low, effective space is wasted, raising breeding costs. Generally, from hatching to 10 days of age, about 80 birds per sq m can be housed on average; from 10 to 28 days of age, about 50 birds per sq m on average; from 4 to 10 weeks of age, 30 birds per sq m; and after 10 weeks, about 15 birds per sq m.

4. Lighting From 20 hours after hatching to 1 week, full-day lighting is needed; after 1 week, it is 16 hours per day.

5. Drinking water Within 24 hours of hatching, add 0.02% oxytetracycline to 36°C cooled boiled water and let the young partridges drink it. If the young partridges are introduced from elsewhere, VB can be added to the drinking water.

6. First feeding The partridges can be fed after drinking water. Mix the feed with a small amount of water until moist, rub the pellets fine with your hands, and sprinkle a small amount on paper so the young partridges can feed freely. For the first 3 days, it is best not to let the feed run out; after 3 days, switch to feed troughs. The troughs should be placed under the light, and the troughs should be staggered with a spacing of no more than 1 m. When feeding, feed small amounts more often, and each time add feed only after the previous feed has been eaten clean.

7. Disinfection Maintain the environment and hygiene. Wash the water troughs twice a day and disinfect once every 2 days (using a 0.01% potassium permanganate solution). Clean the droppings once each in the morning and afternoon every day. Indoor disinfection should be done twice a week, and in summer, disinfect 3 times a day.