A Complete Analysis of Partridge Farming Basics and Key Technical Points

B. Physiological Habits of Partridges:

1. Temperature: Partridges during the laying period are relatively sensitive to environmental temperature. Partridges prefer warmth and fear cold, and also fear extreme summer heat and high temperatures. When the temperature is below 5°C or above 30°C, there is a relatively large impact on production and fertilization rate. The suitable temperature inside the house during the laying period is 8°C~26°C. When the temperature meets the requirements, partridges have a good appetite and lay more eggs.

2. Humidity: Humidity inside the house also affects the egg production of partridges and sometimes causes disease. The relative humidity inside the house should preferably be 50~60%. If humidity is too high, ventilation can be carried out; if humidity is too low, spraying water can be done.

3. Ventilation: Laying partridges have relatively vigorous metabolism, and combined with intensive rearing, they often produce large amounts of harmful gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide, so frequent ventilation and air exchange are needed. The ventilation rate in summer should be 3 cubic meters per hour, and in winter 1 cubic meter per hour is suitable.

4. Lighting: Reasonable lighting can prompt partridges to start laying earlier and can increase egg production, but the intensity of lighting should not fluctuate sharply up and down, otherwise it will make partridges restless and cause egg production to decline. Because partridges are highly sensitive to light, the length of lighting can be used to control the laying period and rest period of partridges. For caged partridges, lighting during the laying period generally needs to reach 14 hours.

C. Feeding Habits of Partridges:

The feeding method for partridges is the same as that for commercial birds, ensuring feed is supplied all day, along with a matching drink, mainly based on corn, soybean meal, bran, and so on.

D. Reproductive Characteristics of Partridges:

When partridges reach 28 weeks of age, they are transferred to the breeding stage. At about 214 days to 245 days of age, female partridges begin laying. However, because male partridges mature 3 weeks to 4 weeks later than female partridges, it is necessary to increase nutrition and lighting for male partridges in advance. The male-to-female ratio is 1:3 for floor rearing and 1:4 for cage rearing. After laying, artificial incubation and breeding are required.

II. Preliminary Preparation Work for Partridge Farming

A. Preparation of Partridge Farm Housing:

Partridges prefer warmth and fear dampness, prefer quiet and fear being startled. They can be raised on the floor, in net pens, or in cages. Therefore, for farms with the conditions, breeding partridges should be raised on the floor, and commercial partridges should be raised in cages. The farm housing should be selected in a place that is dry, well ventilated, with sufficient light, convenient transportation, no pollution, and no noise, and the orientation is best facing south or southeast.

For pigeon farms without the conditions, they can adapt to local conditions, make do with simple facilities, and use old factory buildings or warehouses for conversion. After farming succeeds and there is an economic foundation, further development can be made.

B. Preparation of Partridge Cages and Equipment:

As for partridge cages, no standardized partridge cages have yet been seen for sale on the market (perhaps I have not learned of them). For partridge farms, they can only be self-made, and the materials can use galvanized mesh or other netting. Self-made partridge cages are similar to pigeon cages, only with smaller mesh openings than pigeon cages.

Partridge equipment includes feed troughs, water cups, brooders, incubation equipment, and so on.

C. Preparation of Partridge Farming Techniques

Mastering partridge incubation, chick-stage warmth preservation and health care, and scientific feeding methods for adult partridges are the prerequisites for ensuring successful farming. However, because partridge farming has risen in recent years, it is difficult to find training in technical aspects, and related technical books are also relatively few, so one mainly relies on self-exploration. You can also study in columns such as the "Partridge Knowledge Lecture" and the electronic publication "Collection of Partridge Farming Technical Articles" on this website's online school.

D. Preparation of Partridge Feed:

At present, there is no specialized feed for partridges on the market, and farmers mainly rely on self-mixing. The general feed composition is similar to that of domestic chickens, only with a higher protein content than domestic chickens. Before mixing feed, broiler feed can be purchased for feeding. Self-mixed feed should be formulated by combining local crop resources.

E. Preparation for Introducing Partridge Breeding Stock:

Before introducing breeding stock, it is necessary to comprehensively and multi-directionally understand the supply sources of partridge breeding stock and understand the relevant knowledge for selecting seedlings. It is necessary to adhere to the principle of purchasing from units qualified to deal in seedlings, adhere to the principle of comparing quality, price, and service, and adhere to the principle of purchasing nearby, and strictly control the quality, price, and structure of breeding partridges.

III. Basic Knowledge of Partridge Feeding and Management

A. Knowledge of Partridge Feeding and Management During the Brooding Period

1. Temperature and humidity: ① Temperature Temperature is the most critical link during the partridge brooding period, and suitable temperature can increase the survival rate. For 1 to 2 weeks of age, the indoor temperature should be controlled at 33°C, for 3 to 5 weeks of age the indoor temperature should be 28°C, for 6 to 7 weeks of age it should be 26°C, and after 8 weeks of age it should be 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%~70%, and after 1 week of age the relative humidity is 55%~60%.