Bobwhite life span

[magnumhntr]

I was just windering what the lifespan of a bobwhite is. Should I replace my layer hens every year, or are they good for a couple of years. Just curious, and couldn't find anything on the net about it....

Chris

[stewaw]

If you are going commercial I would replace at least every other year, if you are just a hobbiest raising them for the table or training I've had females live and lay well through their third year. I've never kept any longer than that until this year. I saved 5 marked hens that will be four this summer just to see their production.  I did loose about 20% of these older hens during the winter.  Note: I believe it's important to qualify this with the statement that as a general rule, pen raised birds/animals tend to live much longer than their wild counterparts.

David

[IamTomm]

If I am correct the average life span for a wild bob is about 18 months.  And in captivity they have been known to livve as long as 7 + years.  I have bobs that are 3 years and I get 100% fertility out of them.  For just the back yard breeder. I would recommend keeping them 3 or 4 years then replacing them as needed.  I personally will keep them thier whole life cause I just get attached to them and they become pets.

[drwink]

in a book that says NOT to use birds in their first year for hatching eggs.
Anybody know why ?
Couldn't figure that one out as they gave no reason.

Wally

[IamTomm]

Just curious what book was this.  Only reason I could guess is, older birds tend to be better breeders.  Esspecially when kept in pairs.

[drwink]

Sorry, it said don't use them after their first year
The book was "Guide to better hatching" by Stromberg

Wally

[CharlieHorse]

I will have to agree with "IamTomm".........18 months in the wild, 7+ years in captivity.