Read About Partridge Bird

Partridge Bird is a small but quick pheasant. It is considered a good catch by hunters. Here's everything you need to know about them.

Partridge Bird -- Facts

1. Breed:

   Partridges are pheasants that belong to the family Phasianidae.

2. Size:

   These birds are 12 to 14 inches long.

3. Life Span:

   Partridges have a life span of about 12 to 15 years.

4. Varieties:

   There are two varieties of partridge birds. Chukar partridge and Gray partridge are the two types. Chukar is more colorful with a dark red color on the bill and feet. The gray partridge is also referred to as Hungarian partridge by many hunters.

5. Origins:

   The partridge has its origins in the steppe grasslands. It was raised as a game bird for many centuries and still continues to serve that purpose.

6. Physical Traits:

   Partridge birds have unusually plump bodies, short, deep chests, feathered tails, round wings and short, thick bills. Both male and female partridges look alike.

7. Temperament:

   Partridges are clumsy birds, but they are quite docile. They make scratchy irritating noises; however, they are not known to be aggressive.

8. Trainability:

   Partridges are mainly used as game birds. They are non-intelligent birds and cannot be trained.

Partridge Bird -- Care

1. Habitat:

   Partridges are grassland birds. They are found in farmlands and ranches. They are not suitable for living in cages.

2. Food:

   Their main diet includes insects and various greens. They are constantly foraging for food in the ground.

3. Compatibility:

   They are harmless creatures and are very compatible with other birds and even with humans.

Partridge Bird -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   The partridge has been hunted since long. Its meat is considered to be a delicacy. Though it is a very fast runner, its big size makes it an easy target for game hunters. Partridges in farmhouses help in reducing the insect population.

2. Liabilities:

   Due to the indiscriminate hunting of partridges, their numbers are fast declining.

3. Health Issues:

   Partridges are vulnerable to most diseases that strike poultry birds, including bird flu. They can easily carry bacterial infections and can also cause infection in humans. Diseased partridges must be immediately quarantined.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Pesticides, insecticides and even some fertilizers used in farms can be harmful to the partridge. These are in fact one of the prime reasons for the near extinction of the partridge.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Partridges do not live in houses. They are poultry pheasants found in farms. They are kept in coops if needed.

Partridge Bird -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   There are not many concerns to look for in these birds, except infections.

2. Supplies:

   Partridge birds like short grass with longer grass and hedgerows nearby. Mixed cereal and pasture fields with thick hedges and wide field margins are all good areas for them. You can provide them such areas.

3. Expense:

   Since partridges are pheasants, they are not bought as pet birds. Farmers may buy them as poultry for a nominal amount.