If you're new to NAVHDA and/or bird dog training, one of the main comments you'll hear is "you gotta have birds to train a bird dog!"

 

Below is a guide for typically how and when each kind of bird is used.

Pigeons
Pigeons fly and pigeons stink. They are the most common bird for starting and continuing your bird dog training. ***Homing pigeons are an excellent investment if you have a place to keep them at home.
 
Chukar
Chukar are introduced closer to testing days. Chukar are used for the field portions of Natural Ability, Utility, and Invitational testing.
 
Pheasants
Pheasants are used only in Natural Ability for the Tracking portion of the test. NCW only orders pheasants the last training day (Mock Test Day) before test weekends.
 
Ducks
Ducks are primarily used while training for the Utility Test (UT). You must retrieve all ducks that have been put out for your dog.
 
​HOW MANY?

Pigeons and/or chukar
Expect to use 3-5 birds each time you run the field.
 
Ducks
Ducks are not needed for Natural Ability. However, ducks can be used for training in the Tracking portion of the NA test. When training for UT, more ducks are required – 2 ducks per training day, minimum.
 
Pheasants
One or two pheasants on Mock Test Day is sufficient for most dogs.
 

​ORDERING BIRDS
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Bird prices fluctuate depending on sources, availability, and time of year. Prices listed below are typical ranges. Birds are available to order prior to chapter training days. Orders must be placed 10 days in advance.

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for "Don't Forget to Order Your Birds!" reminders during training season.

​Pigeons --- $5.00 - $8.00 each
Chukar --- $12.00 - $18.00 each
Ducks --- $18.00 - $20.00 each
Pheasants --- $12.00 - $18.00 each