That Quail Place Forum

Hunting Gamebirds => Shooting Preserve Management => Topic started by: buffett-phan on March 13, 2008, 04:29:33 PM

Title: Releasing Bobwhite
Post by: buffett-phan on March 13, 2008, 04:29:33 PM

I wasn't sure where to post this question so...

Is there a certain time of year to release bw's?  I haven't found any info stating anything other than it being 60 degrees at night. 

I have 22 eggs due to hatch Easter  a30 weekend.   I figured by the time they are 6 weeks old (early May) it will be warm enough for them to be released.   I don't want to release them at a bad time.

Any suggestions...

Title: Re: Releasing Bobwhite
Post by: jchiar on March 13, 2008, 06:26:20 PM

6 weeks is a good age to release

Title: Re: Releasing Bobwhite
Post by: CharlieHorse on March 13, 2008, 10:56:44 PM

We don't know where you're located, but here in Southern Ohio, I've released in May many times.  I wait until the tree canopy is full and undergrowth has it's leaves for avain predator protection and some shelter.  60 degrees at night for 6 week olds doesn't mean anything, they'll be fine as far as the temp goes.........unless it gets below freezing where you're at....and even then at that age they should be ok. Be sure to wean them off of any heat and expose them to the outside temps, especially at night. Be sure that they have been sprayed with water several times over a period of days.....start both around a week prior to release. I spray my BW's with a spray bottle when they are brooding many times from about 3 weeks on.

Good Luck

Title: Re: Releasing Bobwhite
Post by: buffett-phan on March 17, 2008, 08:22:15 AM

Thanks for the info!

I live in eastern NC so it sounds like they should be fine if I release them in May.