In order to avoid the decrease in the numbers of wild red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, observed in several areas, the most appropiate solution is to repopulate using animals from game farms. The nesting place chosen by 30 pairs of red-legged partridge in captivity was studied. There were five different nest types combined in groups of three in 30 cages. Type A nest: made with natural bush plants tied together at one end and placed invertedly forming a cone. Type B: made with the same natural bush plants as the previous type but placed over an internal wire structure and having preformed entrances. Type C: a wooden structure in the form of a roof with two slopes. Type D: similar to the type C but on one of the laterals the opaque material only covers the upper half, and a plastic mesh covers the lower half. Type E: a wooden square box covered with an inclined plank of opaque and waterproof material. Our study shows that the type A nest received significantly (P < 0·05) more eggs than the others, possibly because this type of nest allowed for better vigilance and a better sense of protection for the animals. Type E nest was the second most preferred. In this type, the partridge was able to monitor the surroundings through the space between the walls and the roof and this space could be used as an escape route. From a production and industrial perspective, type E has some advantages over type A, being easy to build, clean and disinfect, and allowing the birds to see through the nest.

An analysis of data for domestic pullets, turkeys, partridges and quail (Coturnix) indicates that, once all birds within a flock have become sexually photoresponsive but before spontaneous sexual development commences, mean age at first egg, egg production in a given period, mean body weight at first egg and mean egg weight increase linearly with age at photostimulation. These relationships are steeper for age at first egg in turkeys, partridges and quail, for egg production in turkeys and partridges and for egg weight and body weight in turkeys than those seen in domestic pullets. This may indicate differential responses by seasonal and non-seasonal breeding birds, species-specific factors such as geographical origins, or may reflect differing periods of artificial selection in the four species. Egg weight in domestic pullets and turkeys is significantly correlated with body weight at first egg.