Raising Game Birds
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Game birds are poultry breeds traditionally considered to be wild birds, primarily hunted or raised for their meat. Learn a little bit about raising game birds and what it takes so you can decide if it’s a worthwhile pursuit.
by Sherri Talbot
Game birds are poultry breeds that are traditionally considered wild birds. The term is used both for those who remain untamed and those who have been domesticated but retain many of their natural traits. Game birds can include pigeons, pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, partridge, and peacocks. Some types of waterfowl and turkeys may be considered game birds, but as many of them have been bred for specialized needs, some no longer resemble their wild ancestors well enough to be considered game birds. White broad-breasted turkeys, for instance, have few of the traits associated with wild turkeys. Their color, parenting skills, and survival traits are all vastly different.
As their name suggests, game birds are primarily hunted or raised for meat. While some, such as quail, are also prized for their egg, most game birds are not considered efficient enough to raise for egg production.
Smaller game birds, like quail and pigeons, can be kept in very small spaces, making them attractive to those homesteaders who want to raise their own meat but lack the space for animals of any larger size. These birds also reach maturity very quickly, so breeders don’t have to wait long for the return on their investment. Their young can be dressed out at six weeks and bred at eight weeks. Squab are butchered before they reach four weeks of age.
When compared to chickens, most game birds have superior protein and calcium levels. Squab (young pigeon) has a nice layer of fat on the outside but the meat itself is quite lean and a good source of protein. A guinea fowl can have 80 percent yield from a carcass, meaning that some game birds are also an efficient source of meat, as well as a quick one.
Unfortunately, as these birds still carry many of the instincts of their wild relatives, they can struggle in captivity. Eggs in many game bird breeds have to be incubated, and the smaller game birds will require secure pens off the ground in order to prevent predation. Additionally, game birds can and will fly, given the opportunity.
Game birds can be raised in a number of ways, depending on the goal of the breeder. Many production operations raise birds in sturdy pens where the birds have no chance of escape. Others prefer a less confined environment, and may raise a number of birds together in an area like a shed, horse stall, or contained run. In Africa, guineas are raised completely free range, reducing the cost of the birds by allowing them to forage. It’s recommended that young game birds be kept in a very secure brooder, as their small size makes escape a concern.
Many poultry experts caution against the new poultry hobbyist raising game birds. When kept in confinement, these freedom-loving birds can become neurotic. In many game birds, cannibalism can become a problem if the environment becomes too crowded. This can be especially true of adolescent pheasants. Beak trimming is recommended, as well as giving birds tree branches to hide in to reduce anxiety. In the case of guinea fowl, dark spaces will discourage movement and allow them to feel hidden from danger. Even pigeons, which can be people-friendly with the right handling, desire their freedom and will not be as affectionate to their owner as chickens can be.
Game birds are most easily raised if there is a ready market, especially with smaller birds. The cost is reduced if raising large numbers since the same heater will warm them all, and more birds means less chance of young getting chilled. In addition, with rapidly developing bird-like quail, new breeding stock is needed every few weeks, which means “retiring” the old stock regularly. Since these birds are primarily used for meat, finding a local hunting club or local restaurants interested in buying your birds can give you some idea of the market viability in your area.
Before investing in game birds, the new breeder should research the variety they’re interested in. Housing, nutrition, and health needs aren’t always the same between breeds and some birds may need special care. In addition, make sure you check with your state and local government as to whether the game bird you are considering is allowed. Some areas may ban guinea fowl, due to noise ordinances. Other areas don’t allow pheasants or partridges to be kept domestically. Some game birds may fall under the jurisdiction of wildlife care, rather than agriculture due to concerns about the spread of disease28.
That the profit margin on game birds can be slim, more so if you aren’t prepared for their care and upkeep. However, they can be a unique way to provide your family with a healthy food source. Additionally, like chickens, the personalities and appearance of many game birds can make breeding them a satisfying endeavor.
Sources
Camino, Maria Ximena. (2021). Quail Farming, Project for Beginners. Independently published. ISBN-13: 979-8505912607
Drowns, Glen. (2012). Storey’s Guide to Raising Poultry. Storey Publishing: North Adams, Ma. ISBN: 9781612120003
Emery, Carla. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Country Living. Seattle Washington: Sasquatch Books. eISBN: 978-1-57061-841-3
Harper, Mavis & Harper, Monty. (1984). Raising Game Birds. Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin. ASIN: B013J97B5U
Moreki, JC. (n.d.) Guinea Fowl Production. Poultry and Rabbits Section, Division of Non-Ruminants, Department of Animal Production. Gaborone, Botswana. Retrieved on June 25, 2023 from https://www.academia.edu/download/79451732/MDIwMTM1MjY_.pdf
Scanes, Colin G. & Christensen, Karen D. (2020) Poultry Science, (5th ed). Waveland Press: Long Grove, IL. ISBN-10: ISBN 1-4786-3582-7
Ussery, Harvey. (2011) The Small-Scale Poultry Flock. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company. ISBN 9781603582902.
Sherri Talbot is the co-owner and operator of Saffron and Honey Homestead in Windsor, Maine. She raises endangered, heritage-breed livestock and hopes someday to make education and writing on conservation breeding her full-time job.
Originally published in the August/September 2024 issue of Backyard Poultry and regularly vetted for accuracy.
