In this period in Bieri we are in the midst of anti-predatory training, to stimulate the animals’ alert and defense mechanisms in the presence of predators. The young partridges, divided into groups of the same age, are treated in the brooding house with the fox for the first time starting from about 10 days of age and then after 7-10 days. The activity this year started on the 20th of May and the repetitions were approximately weekly. As far as treatment with birds of prey is concerned, the activity begins when the partridges are in the aviary, therefore after 45 days of age. Also in this case there are two treatments for each aviary, spaced about 7-10 days apart.

For the anti-bird of prey activity, a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is used, led by a professional falconer: this is not a random choice, but a very weighted one, given that the buzzard is one of the main predators present at Mezzano.

Scientific tests were carried out last year in collaboration with Prof. Marco Zaccaroni of the DAGRI of UNIFI which highlighted a significantly better behavioral response in the treated partridges compared to a sample not subjected to training. The results of these tests will be the subject of scientific publication which we will inform you about.