Releasing Bobwhite

[buffett-phan]

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  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...

[jchiar]

6 weeks is a good age to release

[CharlieHorse]

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

[buffett-phan]

Thanks for the info!

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