Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
WIRELESS RAISING
Raising game birds on wire just doesn't seem right; they look just as out of place as
confinement hogs. Hogs like to root in the dirt and game birds like to scratch and
peck in it. The wire method of raising does wonders for preventing disease and para-
sites for the birds but the birds never really look content.
For security, it's best to use very heavy gauge welded wire for the outer walls. Place
2-foot-wide (0.6 m) metal roofing panels around the base of the wire walls; they will act
as a shield against the wind, provide some shade, protect against young birds crawling
through at ground level, and prevent predators from reaching through at ground level
and snagging a snack. Secure the wire to the timbers with good 1.25-inch (3 cm) fencing
staples. Lath and nails, or staples, work great for securing the flight netting.
You have two choices for the roof. You can use more welded wire, which can get
quite expensive and is difficult to hold up, or you can purchase plastic or fabric flight
pen covering to stretch over the top and secure to the tops of the center posts and the
side timbers.
PLAN TO RELEASE? THINK TWICE
If you hope to produce a game bird for release to the wild, don't neglect to check with
your local and state wildlife divisions to make sure it's legal. Many states prohibit
release because of the danger of exposing native, wild populations to diseases and
pests infecting birds raised in the backyard or barn. Use proper safety precautions,
and even if release is legal, make sure your birds are healthy and capable of surviving
