Partridges are a type of gamebird that can make a fun and rewarding addition to a backyard flock. While partridges do have some specific care requirements, they are generally quite hardy birds that are well-suited for beginner backyard chicken keepers. Here are some key things to know about raising partridges.
Housing Requirements
Partridges need an enclosed coop or housing structure to keep them safe from predators at night. A coop should have the following features:
- Predator-proof construction (1/2 inch hardware cloth)
- Ventilation (windows, vents, etc.)
- Roosting bars
- Nest boxes (one per every 2-3 hens)
- Easy access for cleaning
Provide each partridge with at least 2-4 square feet of coop floor space. The coop run should have a covered portion for shelter and be large enough to allow free movement. Partridges also enjoy roosting in trees at night, so a coop that opens into a tree-filled run is ideal.
Feeding Partridges
Partridges are omnivores and require a varied diet. They should be fed:
- Commercial poultry feed or gamebird ration
- Insects and bugs (mealworms, crickets, etc.)
- Greens (kale, spinach, sprouted grains)
- Fruit (berries, melon, apples)
- Seeds (millet, sunflower)
- Grit
- Clean water
Scatter their feed or use dedicated feeders/waters. This encourages their natural foraging instinct.
Handling and Taming Partridges
Partridges are naturally shy, aloof birds. With time and patience, they can become accustomed to their keepers. Useful taming tips include:
- Get them as young chicks so they imprint on you
- Hand feed treats to build trust
- Move slowly and speak softly around them
- Give them a safe space to retreat to
- Pick them up and handle them regularly
Even tame partridges may run from perceived threats, but they will return quickly once the danger has passed.
Egg Laying and Breeding
Most partridge hens will begin laying eggs around 16-28 weeks of age. They average 25-80 eggs per year and lay most prolifically in their first two years. Partridge eggs take 23-25 days to hatch.
To hatch partridge chicks, hens can be left to go broody on their own. Or eggs can be collected and artificially incubated. Take care to maintain proper temperature and humidity in artificial incubators.
Partridges reach breeding maturity around 1 year old. They can be prolific if allowed to breed freely. However, too much uncontrolled breeding can lead to overcrowding. It’s best to limit each breeding pair to their own coop/run.
Common Health Issues
Partridges are quite hardy overall but can be impacted by:
- Parasites – Use preventives and check for mites/lice regularly
- Respiratory illnesses – Ensure good ventilation in housing
- Stress-related issues – Give access to shelter and roosts
- Bumblefoot – Keep coops clean/dry
Quickly isolate and treat any bird showing signs of sickness. Provide proper nutrition and low-stress living conditions to keep partridges healthy.
Benefits of Raising Partridges
Here are some of the top benefits that make partridges an excellent addition to a backyard flock:
- Low-Maintenance – Partridges are naturally hardy and do not require a lot of special care.
- Pest Control – Partridges are great foragers and will help control bugs, snails, slugs, and more.
- Great Eggs – Partridge eggs are small and delicately flavored.
- Insect Protein – Partridges can help recycle kitchen scraps by producing high-protein insect larvae.
- Ornamental – The beautiful plumage and behaviors of partridges make them a delight to watch.
Partridges produce tasty meat and eggs while adding visual interest and pest control to the garden. Their unique personalities, beautiful plumage, and elaborate breeding displays make them captivating to observe. Partridges are timid but tolerate human presence and can be hand tamed. Overall, their hardiness, multifunctionality, and ornamental appeal make partridges a great choice for beginners or seasoned poultry keepers alike.
Challenges of Raising Partridges
While partridges have many benefits, there are some challenges to be aware of:
- Escape artists – Partridges are athletic fliers and will escape if fencing is inadequate.
- Shyness – Partridges are naturally shy and aloof. Even hand-raised birds may retain some wildness.
- Special diet – Partridges need a varied diet with insect protein. This requires more effort than simple chicken feed.
- Lots of space – Partridges are active and need plenty of room to roam.
- Legality – Some areas prohibit keeping gamebirds like partridges.
The essential challenges boil down to containing them securely, providing proper diet, and having adequate space. Their shyness may make them less interactive than chickens. And legality should be investigated before obtaining partridges.
Are Partridges Right for You?
Before getting partridges, carefully consider if they are a good fit:
- Do you have time to cater to their specialized dietary needs?
- Can you provide a very secure outdoor enclosure and coop?
- Do you have space for them to forage and roam?
- Are you prepared if they retain some wild behaviors?
- Can you find a legal source to acquire partridges?
If you can meet their needs for security, space, and diet, partridges make an excellent addition to a backyard flock. Their natural beauty, hardiness, and friendly personalities under the right conditions make the extra effort worthwhile for the right owner. Partridges are best suited for keepers who value utility and natural behaviors over pets and show birds. With proper care, these underrated gamebirds can thrive and delight.
Top Partridge Breeds for Beginners
Certain partridge breeds stand out as good options for first-time keepers:
Chukar Partridge
- Hardy with an easygoing personality
- Does well in confinement
- Less flighty than some partridges
- Produces small but rich tasting eggs
Red-Legged Partridge
- Beautiful plumage coloration
- Thrives in backyard settings
- Tolerates a wide temperature range
- Excellent forager and very active
Grey Partridge
- Calm disposition good for beginners
- Adaptable to various climates
- Prolific egg layer
- Low maintenance requirements
These breeds are relatively easy to tame, do well in confinement, and tolerant a wide range of climates and living conditions. Their laidback personalities and hardiness help offset some of the challenges faced by other, high-strung partridge breeds.
Conclusion
Partridges require some specialized care and housing considerations. But they can be very rewarding for backyard flock owners who are up for the challenge. Their pest control abilities, ornamental appeal, hardiness, and rich eggs provide ample benefits. Chukar, red-legged, and grey partridges make good starter breeds for the first-time partridge keeper. Overall, partridges are an excellent option for anyone seeking a productive, self-sustaining, and visually stunning backyard flock.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Excellent at controlling pests like slugs, snails, mice, and ticks | Require lots of space to roam and forage |
Low maintenance and quite hardy | Can be shy around humans and hard to tame |
Produce small but rich and flavorful eggs | Need specialized diet with insects and greens |
Add ornamental value with their beautiful plumage | Prone to escaping and need very secure enclosures |
Help recycle kitchen scraps into high protein insect larvae | Some local laws prohibit keeping gamebirds like partridges |
Breed | Temperament | Egg Production | Climate Tolerance | Foraging Ability |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chukar | Mild, easygoing | Moderate | Wide range | Excellent |
Red-legged | Active, can be flighty | Moderate | Wide range | Superb |
Grey | Calm, tolerates handling | Very good | Moderate range | Good |