Red and grey partridges

Red partridge

The red partridge (Alectoris rufa) is one of the most emblematic game birds of southern France. Our red partridges are raised in large open aviaries fitted with dense natural vegetation (broom, box, tall grasses) that reproduces their Mediterranean habitat. Our carefully selected bloodlines produce birds with powerful flight and a wild temperament.

Large planted aviaries

Multi-hectare aviaries with natural plant cover, allowing birds to develop their flight musculature.

Selected bloodlines

Rigorous selection on morphology, plumage, behaviour and flight ability.

Weight & size

Birds of 350 to 450 g at release age, with the characteristic red and grey plumage of the species.

Hunting and restocking

Suited equally to release shooting and medium to long-term restocking programmes.

Red partridges for sale

Available from 12 weeks in season. Volume discounts. Breeding stock to order in spring.

Grey partridge

The grey partridge (Perdix perdix) has become rare in many regions of France, a victim of changing agricultural practices. GIBIS is one of the few breeders maintaining a breeding herd of grey partridges from pure French bloodlines. Our birds are raised under strictly controlled conditions to preserve the original genetic characteristics of the species.

Pure French bloodline

French genetics preserved without crossing with foreign bloodlines, guaranteeing species authenticity.

Heritage species

Active contribution to preserving the French grey partridge, a declining species nationally.

Specialist breeding

Specific conditions: low-density aviaries, diet rich in insects and wild seeds.

Restocking programme

Birds particularly suited to reintroduction programmes in cereal plains and bocage.

Technical support

GIBIS assists clients in setting up restocking programmes with monitoring of released populations.

Breeding red-legged partridges in the Isère since 1951

Our red-legged partridge farm

Our red-legged partridge farm is run at Chatte, in the Isère, on the 70 hectares of the family holding, 15 of them under aviaries. The whole chain takes place on site: breeding stock, laying, incubation, brooder house and growing aviaries. Breeding pairs are matched in late autumn and lay from April to July; the eggs are collected several times a day, graded, then incubated for 24 days at 37.7 °C before transfer to the hatcher. The young partridges spend their first three to four weeks in a heated brooder house — 35 °C under the brooder at the start, then about 3 °C less each week — before moving out to the outdoor aviaries at around 5 to 6 weeks. That is where the quality of a hunting bird is decided: our open-air aviaries are planted with broom, box, brambles and tall grasses, with perches and dusting areas, and are run at low density (fewer than one bird per 2 m²). This husbandry avoids feather pecking without the systematic use of bits, preserves the plumage and lets the young birds run and fly until they genuinely build their flight muscles. Feeding follows age: high-protein starter crumbs (around 28 %) for the first four weeks, grower feed (22-24 %) up to 8 weeks, then a 16-18 % finisher supplemented with wheat, cracked maize, greenstuff and grit — a regime that prepares the bird to find its own food after release. See also our guide to a successful release and our advice on feeding and habitat management.

Large planted aviaries

Open-air aviaries with natural cover (broom, box, brambles, grasses): the birds run, perch and fly before they are sold.

Low density

Fewer than one bird per 2 m² in the growing aviaries: less stress, less feather pecking, intact plumage and a wary temperament preserved.

14 weeks minimum

No red-legged partridge is sold under 14 weeks. Below that age a bird has neither the flight muscle nor the feeding independence a release requires.

Stage-by-stage feeding

Starter at around 28 % protein, grower 22-24 %, finisher 16-18 % supplemented with wheat, cracked maize, greenstuff and grit.

Selection of breeding stock

A pure strain with no crossing; breeders chosen on conformation, collar and flank markings, wary temperament and flight quality, with bloodlines rotated to avoid inbreeding.

Health and biosecurity

Veterinary supervision, regular faecal examinations, coccidiosis and gapeworm prophylaxis, resting and disinfection of pens between batches, farm register and health certificate with every consignment.