| SAE: | Raise quail or other game birds for flight and/or meat |
| Description: | |
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There is a growing market for game birds flight conditioned and dressed for cooking. As we see consumers looking for alternate sources of meat, many are looking at traditional game species. While most consumers are quite familiar with game birds many are unable to locate a stable reliable source for home consumption. We see disposable income continue to increase; we can expect the continued expansion of the restaurant industry. While some restaurants may offer quail as part of their menu, many more probably would if there were a reliable source for dressed quail in the local area. We also see the increase in people looking for different types of entertainment. The quail hunting industry has traditional been located in Georgia. Many shooting preserves are now located in all parts of the state. These preserves need a steady reliable supply of “flight conditioned” birds. There is a developing market in parts of Georgia for such birds. Students are cautioned to find a market before beginning a flight bird enterprise. The resources needed to enter into quail production are moderate. A small investment in some equipment will be necessary. Some land will be necessary, only a small area. The production area should be located away from homes and neighbors due to smell, especially in wet weather. Locate production facilities on well-drained sites.
Written by Steve Meeks |
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| Factors To Consider |
Ranking: 1 = lowest 10 = highest |
| Time required |
7 |
| Investment | 4 |
| Equipment needed | 4 |
| Skills required | 5 |
| Facilities required | 5 |
| Land required | 2 |
| Labor Intensity | 8 |
| Potential for income | 9 |
| Transportation required | 1 |
| Expansion possibilities | 9 |
| Expertise needed | 8 |
| Advertising needed | 8 |
| Susceptible to disease | 8 |
| Susceptible to insects | 4 |
| Suitable for residential areas | 1 |
| Other (specify) | |
| Length of production cycle | 16 weeks for Bobwhite Quail |
| Regional | Statewide |
| When to start project | April-May |
| Notes: |
| Quail
are a simple species to raise in confinement if attention to detail
is followed. Through research
of confinement raising of quail should be undertaken before the project
begins. Facilities should
be constructed before the hatching season begins in April or May.
Georgia law requires a permit to raise game birds.
There will be a small license fee.
The forms are available from the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources.
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| Sources of Additional Information: |
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Georgia Quail Farm offers equipment, supplies, reference materials as well as hatching eggs for sale. GQF is located in Savannah Georgia 912-236-0651. A free catalog is available upon request. Breeding stock and hatching eggs may also be located through the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture’s Market Bulletin. Game bird Propagation published by Wildlife Harvest Magazine is an excellent source. Wildlife Harvest Publications, P.O. Box 96, Goose Lake IA, 52750 http://www.wildlifehp.apg.com Information on Rearing Game Birds http://www.shaywood.com/library/wildlife.htm North American Game bird Association, 1214 Brooks Ave., Raleigh NC 27607
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