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motivation and attitude if we do things that we like to do. This is very true when it comes to
choosing the species to produce commercially. Some people just don’t like ducks, therefore they
should consider another type of bird to raise. The same can be said about the upland species. Raise
the birds that you like, your chance of success will be raised dramatically - if you like it!
Using successful management practices in game bird husbandry
is essential. This area
will separate the men from the boys. If all else goes well and one fails to produce the marketable
product then all is lost. Most game bird producers develop their own methods of production. There
is no
right
or
wrong
way to raise game birds commercially (if you get the job done). No two
operations are alike. However, there are some proven ideas that have worked for others and could
work for most anyone. These proven ideas will need to be adapted for use, but should prove to be
good solid foundations on which to build a successful business. There are some obvious mistakes
to avoid. The wise man or woman will take the mistakes of others and avoid them in his or her
operation. It has been said that there are no failures in the game bird business if we learn from the
experience. To
fail
in a real sense is
success
if one learns a lesson.
Do not go out and make a large investment without some kind of experience in dealing with
the birds of your interest. To do this is folly! I know of several people that have done this very thing.
On the whole, most of them have not made a success of it, but have failed and lost a lot of money.
However, the new business may fare well for a year or two before serious trouble occurs due to bad
luck or inexperience. Of course when you have a large investment hanging by a thread at best, you
become a fast learner. Play with several hundred birds for a year or two to get the hang of how it is
done. This will introduce you to the problems you can expect and it will also give you the good
feeling of accomplishment when you succeed.
There are many people that feel that they cannot produce game birds on a commercial basis.
Their arguments are varied and all contain some truth. The fact is, it is not easy to make a success
of such an operation. However, if the breeder has an understanding of some basics, his task will be
easier not only on him, but on his birds. It can be honestly said that if a breeder can successfully
produce Bobwhite Quail in small numbers, he can raise any species of game bird on a large scale.
If the basic needs of the birds are met in an efficient and economical way there will be success in at
least producing the birds. All captive birds need 1) proper environmental conditions, 2) proper nutri-
tion, 3) proper shelter, 4) and proper protection from diseases. When these conditions are met, the
birds will "do their thing" and reproduce themselves.
To raise Bobwhite and Coturnix Quail, Chukers, Ringnecks or Mallards on a commercial
basis, the breeder will simply use the
basic principles
on a larger scale. These basic principles are
given in detain in my book, Upland Game Birds, Their Breeding and Care. I do not discuss
waterfowl specifically in the aforementioned book, but the basics still will apply. Each species has
different characteristics
that will dictate how they are handled. It will be a matter of keeping the
characteristics in mind when dealing with each of the species.