So what age do you introduce your pointing pups to birds? Alive or fresh dead?

As soon as I get them, about 8 to 10 weeks. Their brains are like a sponge at that age and they soak up things fast. Also, they are too small to chase very far so I don't have to worry about breaking that. Of course alive

3-4 months old. But I just want them to chase everything including butterflies, lizards, song birds. Have fun with the pup. At 9-10 months, I start the discipline work.

I agree with north Texas bird hunter. But I firmly agree the first season on wild birds no discipline what so ever. Let pup learn to hunt and point. You can't teach this

Just teach pup to come and Gun shot noise your good to go first season

There is no pat answer for me. I depends on the seasons. I'll introduce a spring pup to wild birds in the fall. I'll introduce a fall pup to wild birds in the spring. I don't like to use pen raised birds except for the breaking process. I like to do that in September.

me too.

Thanks for the replies!

2x
But a good many breeders have introduced them to birds before the pups are sold.

How old is your pup?

15 weeks Bill. She's just getting over the "snapper/devil dog phase"

As soon as they are home. I let them investigate dead birds, then let them watch at the quail pen, then after a couple of weeks of that they get to chase chicks I release and recall, then they move on to wild birds. It is important to observe the dog and make sure they aren't anxious around live birds.

I had mine pup around pen birds the first week I got her (7wks). In one Robert Wehle's old books he tells about the days that he would take a litter of pups out 'hunting' with the mom at 4-6 weeks old and the mom would teach backing and manners to the pups.

this

I normally take my litters out at 5-6weeks and introduce them to feather, fur and water.