5 weeks too young? (Crosspost)

[firefly]

I want to release some bobwhites into the wild. Is 5 weeks too young? I can wait a week if really necessary but I'd rather not. This will be on the edge of my property; they'll have water available and I can scatter food (wild bird seed, sunflower seeds, chick starter, dry cat food, and/or layer pellets) for them if necessary.

[jchiar]

if they are full feathered it is ok but you are better off at 6 weeks skip the cat food, catfood=raccoon=dead birds,

[firefly]

Oops. thanks for the catfood tip! I was mixing that with chick starter because I couldn't get gamebird starter. They seem to be fully feathered and are flying in their box, crashing into the top repeatedly, which is 2' high. Luckily it's just a window screen so it has some give. They really want out so I think today's the day! :-) Thank you jchiar.

[stonecreek]

Everything depends on the weather and if you have misted them down for a while.  Misting helps with the preening process and builds up the oil in their feathers.  Without doing this you will lose a few of them.  It also really helps if they can get a few days of nice weather to get used to being on their own.  I placed ~1500 bobwhites out in a flight pen at 4 weeks of age and they are doing great.  I agree with jchiar and lose the cat food. 

[CharlieHorse]

5 weeks will work in warm climates. I've always released mine at 5-6 weeks.