Chukar are a type of partridge that originate from parts of Eurasia. They have been introduced to various parts of North America for hunting purposes. When keeping chukar in captivity, it’s important to provide them with adequate space to engage in natural behaviors.
Natural History
Chukar are ground-dwelling birds that prefer arid, rocky slopes and canyons. Their natural range extends from Southeast Europe across Asia to Mongolia and China. Populations have also become established through introductions in parts of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand, and St. Helena.
Chukar form coveys of 10-30 birds outside of breeding season. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, leaves, bulbs, and insects. Males establish territories during breeding season and mate with multiple females. Nests consist of scrapes on the ground lined with vegetation.
Space Requirements
In captivity, each chukar should be provided with a minimum of 10-15 square feet of floor space. This allows room for exercise and natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. Chukar that are bred for release or hunting purposes may be kept at slightly higher densities, but overcrowding causes stress and risks disease transmission.
The vertical space requirements are also important. Chukar can fly short distances, so their enclosure should be at least 5-6 feet tall. Perches at various heights allow them to roost and escape if needed. Outdoor enclosures should have fencing or netting across the top to prevent escape.
Coop Size
For a small backyard coop housing just a few chukar as pets, aim for at least 4 square feet of floor space per bird. A coop measuring 4ft x 4ft would comfortably house 4-5 chukar with access to an outdoor run during the day.
Larger enclosures designed to breed chukar may allot 2.5-3 square feet per adult bird. The coop should have roosting perches and nest boxes for breeding. Litter like pine shavings covers the floor. Wire mesh on walls allows ventilation while preventing escape.
Outdoor Run Size
In addition to a coop, chukar should have access to a secure outdoor run for exercise and foraging. The run size should be proportional to the coop – plan for at least 2 times the amount of floor space outdoors as inside the coop.
For example, a coop that is 4ft x 8ft (32 sq ft) should have an outdoor run that is at least 64 sq ft. A 10ft x 10ft outdoor run provides ample room for 5-10 chukar to roam during the day.
Minimum Pen Size
For larger scale operations raising chukar for release or hunting, the minimum recommended pen size is 100 square feet. Pens may house 15-25 mature chukar at one time. Each pen requires an adjacent weatherproof shelter where birds can roost.
Rotate birds between pens to prevent overgrazing and buildup of waste. Large pens over 0.5 acres can accommodate 50+ chukar at a time. Provide brush piles or rock mounds for cover.
Enclosure Features
In addition to space requirements, the enclosure setup should meet the needs of chukar in other ways:
- Plant native vegetation for cover and foraging
- Include elevated perches for roosting
- Provide a sand bathing area for dust baths
- Offer rocks, logs, and platforms for exercise
- Install wind breaks and shade to protect from elements
Vegetation
Chukar will appreciate native grasses, shrubs, and bushes to mimic their natural habitat. This allows them to take cover and provides mental stimulation. Good choices include sagebrush, bitterbrush, serviceberry, squawbush, and wild roses. Rotate grazing areas to prevent overgrazing.
Perches
Place perches at different heights in the enclosure. Low perches 15-20 inches off the ground allow easy access. Elevated perches 3-4 feet up provide spots for roosting at night and escape from danger during the day.
Bathing Area
Provide an area with loose substrate for dust bathing. This allows chukar to clean their feathers and deter parasites. A pit or tray filled with play sand or fine dirt works well. Make sure it is in a sheltered spot safe from rain and moisture.
Enrichment
Rocks, logs, tree stumps, and platforms encourage activity and natural behaviors like jumping and running. Arrange these items throughout the enclosure for environmental enrichment. Rotate new items periodically to maintain interest.
Shelter
Part of the enclosure should offer protection from wind, rain, snow, and hot sun. A three-sided shelter is ideal to allow chukar to get out of the elements but still have ventilation. Face the opening away from prevailing winds.
Care Standards
Certain standards should be met to keep chukar healthy and thriving in captivity:
Stocking Density
Do not exceed 10-15 mature chukar per 100 square feet of floor space in a coop or pen. Overcrowding causes stress, injuries, and illness. It also increases aggressive behavior and competition for resources.
Group Size
Chukar naturally live in flocks outside of breeding season. Keep birds in groups of at least 5-10 to meet their social needs. Lone chukar may become distressed. Introduce new birds gradually to avoid aggression.
Feeding
Offer a grain-based diet supplemented with greens, sprouted seeds, grit, and calcium. Scatter feed to encourage natural foraging. Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Avoid overfeeding.
Cleaning
Remove soiled litter promptly to prevent disease. Replace with fresh pine shavings weekly. Disinfect feeders/waterers regularly. Clean and sanitize the enclosure between batches of chukar.
Biosecurity
Isolate and quarantine new arrivals for 30 days before introducing to the flock. Restrict human access to enclosures. Control rodents, wild birds, and predators to prevent disease transmission.
Enrichment
Rotate toys, perches, and other items to vary the environment. Provide brush/trees for cover and wood or cement blocks for behavior like jumping up. Offer opportunities for free-range grazing if possible.
Example Coop and Run
Here is an example setup for housing 5-6 chukar in a backyard coop:
Coop
A 4ft x 8ft coop provides 32 square feet of floorspace. It is constructed of wood and wire mesh for ventilation. The fixtures include:
- Roosting perches
- Nest boxes for breeding pairs
- Feeders and waterers
- Pine shaving litter
- Ventilation windows
- Insulation
- Electric lighting
Outdoor Run
The adjacent outdoor run measures 10ft x 10ft, providing 100 square feet of space. It has:
- Wire mesh fencing 6 feet tall
- Shade cloth roof
- Vegetation and bushes
- Perches and platforms
- Sand bathing pit
- Predator-proof footing
The chukar are secured in the coop at night but allowed to access the outdoor run during the day. The run is moved periodically to give access to fresh vegetation and prevent a buildup of waste.
Conclusion
Chukar require adequate space for exercise and to display natural behaviors. The recommended minimum is 10-15 square feet per bird indoors and double that for an outdoor run. Added features like perches, vegetation, and dust baths further enrich the environment.
By following key care standards around stocking density, enrichment, biosecurity, and cleaning, chukar can thrive in captivity. Monitor birds for signs of stress and aggression, which may indicate overcrowding. Adjust enclosure sizes and features as needed to promote health and wellbeing.