Post
by Country-Side Breeders » Wed May 12, 2004 12:31 pm
Using pigeons or quail are going to depend on a number of factors: the price, availability, temperament of the dog and experience the dog has had.
Pigeons are good to start out with for a non-submissive dog. They are more durable, bigger, etc. They are a good bird for starting a dog out...and tough for retrieving. However, after some time, dogs get bored with them.
Quail are more of a tender bird. They won't withstand the stress like the pigeons do. A more submissive dog will have an easier time with them, based on their size. They aren't as intimidated with them as they would be with the pigeons. They have a different smell of a pigeon, more intense.
I start with either or. I've got some dogs here that are on quail. I've also got some here that are on pigeons. The temperament of the dog is the big factor of determination for me.
Sorry, I can't help you out with finding birds in your area.[/b]