Releasing Pen-raised Birds
This technique does not usually work, especially when employed in the way that most landowners attempt. However, when done correctly, a small percentage of birds may develop into breeding adults and successfully raise chicks.
Use the following guidelines to increase potential:
1. Develop habitat for release area first. Within sight of the release site, there should be food plots, heavy cover, nesting areas, and brood-rearing cover.
2. Never use birds that are more than 8 weeks old. If possible, try to obtain adults in the mid to late summer that are 5-6 weeks old. 1st release date should be before September 1st.
3. Construct a "Johnny House" or small flight pen in order to slowly acclimate quail to outside living. This enclosure should prevent predators from entering and should be sheltered from daily "dramas" such as walking the dog, children playing, or parking cars. Food and water should be available, as well as a roosting area off the ground. Birds should be able to get wet from rain. A funnel or a predator-deterrent entrance should be included in the design.
4. After one week, begin releasing 25-50% of the birds each day, preferably in the morning. Do not release additional birds until most of the released birds have returned - unless several days go by. Always leave a few birds in the pen to "call" back released birds.
5. After 2-4 weeks of periodic release, leave the flight door open. This allows birds to come and go as they please. Continue providing food and water as long as birds are returning.
If birds do not return, they are either surviving in the wild somewhere or they are dead. If you see or hear birds in the area- spread wheat, cracked corn, or milo seed in good cover patches to supplement their diet. Pray for a mild winter and a good summer the following year.