Intro to birds ?

[GaFrenchBrit11]

Hey guys, new to the site and new to training and looking for a little help. I recently added a hunting partner of my own a French Brittany. At 14 weeks I thought it was time to introduce him to birds. Using the perfect start perfect finish method we went out with a few quail. Well now my problem came and it wasn't Scout he loves them it was the birds. Only 4 of the 10 I released would fly off so I I'm sure you know he caught all the runners and would point a one. My question is do I just need to make sure he is on some better birds from here on or did I start something that's gone be hard to stop?

[ezzy333]

Switch your bird work to pigeon and don't forget to use a CC.

Ezzy

[duckn66]

Yep switch to pigeons. Let him give chase too. He wont chase them far at only 14 weeks old.

[RoostersMom]

You ought to think about attending one of the Perfection seminars - they are really worth the commitment of 4 days. Met some nice folks from TX and AK at that last one over there!

As for the quail, I'd do as suggested and get homers instead - they fly better, you can reuse them forever and they are hardy if the dog accidently catches them. A small coop is all you need - 6 birds or so would suffice. You've not really messed him up by letting him catch a bird (though I always prefer they don't) - he's a youngster and as long as you plan to prevent it from happening from now on, you'll be good to go.

[GaFrenchBrit11]

Thanks for the replies. I had plans to start and stay with pigeons but the odd thing is quail are so easy to come by due to a friends near by farm.

[RoostersMom]

Yeah,

Quail may be easy to come by, but pen reared birds don't fly worth a hoot and your pup will likely catch a bunch of them - and they usually don't fly off like pigeons do, so even if you get a decent flush, it'll likely be too close and the dog will run in and grab it. I hate training with pen reared quail!

[ibbowhunting]

[quote="RoostersMom"]You ought to think about attending one of the Perfection seminars - they are really worth the commitment of 4 days. Met some nice folks



X2

[AZ Brittany Guy]

Yep switch to pigeons. Let him give chase too. He wont chase them far at only 14 weeks old.

I suggest you also card the pigeons so you can use them again and again. Save a few bucks

[GaFrenchBrit11]

I'm in the process now of working on trapping and building a coop. The advice is appreciated. Exactly why I joined. Thanks!!