Perdix perdix
The gray partridge — a fast, covey-holding upland bird raised for preserves and restocking.
Quick facts
- Incubation: 23–25 days
- Brooder start temp: 95°F, drop ~5°F/week
- Flight age: 14–16 weeks
- Starter feed: 24–26% protein game-bird starter
- Adult weight: 12–16 oz
The Hungarian or gray partridge ("Hun") is a prized upland bird known for exploding out of cover in tight coveys. It is raised in smaller numbers than quail or pheasant, mainly for preserves and restocking, and is considered a bit more delicate to brood.
Huns reward careful, low-stress management. They are more flighty than chukar and do best with generous space, good cover, and minimal disturbance.
Housing & space
Brood on clean, dry litter and move to well-covered flight pens. Huns are nervous birds — piling and stress losses are the main risk, so err toward more space and more cover than you would for chukar.
- Flight pen: 5+ sq ft/bird with dense cover.
- Minimize foot traffic and sudden disturbance near the pens.
Brooding
Start around 95°F and reduce ~5°F/week. Hun chicks can be slower to start than quail — attentive first-48-hour management (warmth, accessible water and feed) matters even more.
Feed & nutrition
Feed a game-bird starter (24–26%) early, stepping down to grower and finisher. Provide grit with any grain. Clean water always.
Health & biosecurity
Keep conditions dry to control coccidiosis, and manage stress to prevent piling losses. Standard game-bird biosecurity applies; consult a diagnostic lab early on unexplained mortality.
Breeding & incubation
Hungarian partridge eggs incubate about 23–25 days. They are seasonal breeders and generally pair-bond, which can make large-scale production trickier than quail. Incubate near 99.5°F with humidity raised for hatch.