Game Birds and Ratites
The production of game birds and ratites has become very popular within the last 10-20 years. The knowledge base about these birds is rapidly expanding and will continue as the industries develop. Widely diverse practices are used that vary depending on the species of birds produced and the purpose for its production.
Emphasis at this web site is directed to the production of bobwhite quail, although information is also made available on other upland game birds and Ratites. Bobwhite quail are primarily produced for eventual slaughter (consumption) or release on shooting preserves, where they are eventually hunted for sport. The type of bird desired will dictate the type of management that is required. Although several publications address topics relating to habitat management, the primary emphasis of this site will be upon commercial production of the birds.
This site offers basic materials that answer many questions that producers initially ask. Additional information is available from industry associations, government agencies, and private web sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My bobwhite quail appear sick and are losing weight (especially in breast muscles) and the mortality is very high. What is wrong?
- What causes the lesions and scabby areas on the feet and toes of my bobwhite quail?
- How can I improve the quality of feathers on my bobwhite quail?
- What feeds should I offer my bobwhite quail?
- Should I feed medications in my game bird feeds?
- What feed ingredients are used in quail diets?
- How much floor space should I provide for my bobwhite quail?
- What temperatures are recommended for brooding quail?
- How do I get rid of mites and lice from by game birds?
- How do I treat my game birds to rid them of intestinal worms?
Other Information
- Sanitation - Cleaning and Disinfectants addresses the concerns and procedures for maintaining a sanitary and low- disease environment in the hatchery and other poultry facilities.
- Diseases of Poultry is a manual that discusses the many diseases in poultry and gamebird populations. Includes symptoms, causes, treatments and preventative measures.
- Solutions for Poultry is a compilation of many treatments used by the poultry producer to treat conditions or improve the productive status of the flock.
- Feeding Gamebirds is a discussion of nutritional concerns that the game bird producter should address when producing healthy birds. Includes diets formulated for various ages of quail.
Publications
News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- All Mississippians who raise any species of poultry are being urged to follow strict biosecurity practices and review new requirements regarding sales and exhibitions.
Tom Tabler, poultry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said that while avian influenza is not a threat to human health or food safety, an outbreak would endanger backyard flocks and the state’s nearly $3 billion commercial poultry industry.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Families willing to host a flock of feathered friends reap the benefits of fresh eggs delivered daily just outside the door.
What started several years ago as an underground "urban chicken" movement has become much more common and widely accepted. Today, raising backyard chickens has gained popularity nationwide, boosted by interest in locally grown foods that avoid the energy use and carbon emissions typically associated with transporting food.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The estimated $7.6 billion value of Mississippi agriculture increased by 1.8 percent in 2016, helping the industry retain its prominence in the state's overall economy.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Poultry remains Mississippi's top agricultural commodity with an estimated value of $2.9 billion, and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2017.
Forestry comes in a distant second with total farm-gate value of $1.4 billion, according to 2016 estimates.
Mississippi State University Extension Service economists just released their estimates for the state's agricultural commodity values in 2016. The top commodities remain poultry and forestry. Soybeans remain in the third spot, dropping 1.7 percent to just over $1 billion.
