Quail and Dogs

[optic1]

Yea I'm waiting for my packet on the regs, plus I have California Quail and Pheasant out back. I read an article somewhere where the Coturnix where good birds for younger dogs or puppies because they flushed well. So when you get different opinions it just screws you up. Does this forum site have any list on breeders out west? Maybe towards the Washington area.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Quote:
Breeders for anything in particular? There are a few "lists" if you do a search in the breeder section.

I've heard it both ways with the Coturnix and flushing... they can be very frustrating for experienced handlers/trainers. They tend to pop straight up, fly a little ways away, and hunker down until you're right on them. Then they pop up again, fly a little ways, and hunker down. They don't "explode" from the underbrush like the Bobs, chukars or pheasants, and they're way easier to catch! I've never trained dogs, so I can't say from personal experience, but some of my customers like to use them for first time puppies. They quickly move up to the bobs after that, though. Best thing is to get a couple and try them out. I think it depends on how they're raised. If they're not used to people/dogs being around, they would work better than caged birds that are used to seeing a human with food. Mine are like chickens, and will hop out of the cage to eat out of my hand... those would probably not work for training dogs.

 

[optic1]

I really appreciate everyones help, so last question for today. If your going to buy the Coturnix lets say and have them shipped in, how far is to far to be shipped.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Quote:
I would not recommend shipping chicks. Adult birds, the closer the better. Shipped eggs... they're pretty hardy, and I've shipped eggs to VA and had 100% hatchrate. I'm pretty sure there are people in the Tri-Cities area that raise them... have you tried craigslist?

 

[optic1]

Thanks Mrs AK now to decide whether to medicate or use vitamins when I get them. What types and all. I've searched some here but alot seems very general and not breed specific if it matters.

 

[chickenboy7c2d]

i have a Labrador and he is great with our birds

 

[darkfur]

I don't know about dogs but I once had a cat disaster with caged coturnix. The bars were set plenty narrow enough so the birds couldn't get out, but a cat got his paw in, snagged one and pulled it up to the side of the cage and ate it through the bars. Not that a dog could likely do that but other predators can so I suggest very fine mesh!