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Small ark for quail?

post #1 of 9
6/26/12 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 

We inherited four females and one male corturnix and would like to house them separate from our chickens. I'm wondering if anyone has tried constructing an ark on a smaller scale so as to allow the quail to free range but contained? Or is anyone aware of plans for an ark more suited to quail? Thanks much...

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post #2 of 9
6/26/12 at 11:48pm

Any type of cage will do.  I would go with 1/2" x1/2" welded wire floor so all the poop fall to the ground.  It easy to clean and prevent coccidiosis.

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post #3 of 9
6/27/12 at 4:28am
Thread Starter 

Thanks! We were wondering what gauge of hardware cloth to go with, so this is very helpful. Any suggestions for what type of insulation to use on the roof of the hut?

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post #4 of 9
6/27/12 at 5:23am

Make sure that predators can not dig underneath or get their paws into any areas. When ever you are offering quail a coop like structure, always lock them in for a few days before letting them out into the enclosed area attached. That way they will see the new "coop" as comfort and seek shelter should they need it. Otherwise, they may never enter this new coop.

Of all the things I have ever lost, I miss my mind the most. 

Keep one eye on the past, one eye on the future and both eyes on the present. ~ a Raven ~

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Of all the things I have ever lost, I miss my mind the most. 

Keep one eye on the past, one eye on the future and both eyes on the present. ~ a Raven ~

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post #5 of 9
7/2/12 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brushhill Farm View Post

Thanks! We were wondering what gauge of hardware cloth to go with, so this is very helpful. Any suggestions for what type of insulation to use on the roof of the hut?

I am not using any insulation.  As far as wire size go, find the largest wire as you can.  I would refer 12-16gauge.

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post #6 of 9
7/13/12 at 9:53pm

This may be difficult if you plan to raise a lot of them but you could always half and half it. Make half of the arch coop and the other half pen, then you could always shoo them in at night so that no nocturnal predators get them. The welded wire should keep daytime predators at bay and yes, twocrowsranch said, make sure you have a floor on it.

We have a flock of chickens (mostly Seramas), Call and Mallard ducks, a rescued Chinese goose, a Royal Palm turkey, button quail, Coturnix quail and 6 parrots.

First daughter due March 29, 2013
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We have a flock of chickens (mostly Seramas), Call and Mallard ducks, a rescued Chinese goose, a Royal Palm turkey, button quail, Coturnix quail and 6 parrots.

First daughter due March 29, 2013
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post #7 of 9
7/15/12 at 10:20am

My "Ark" in my pics on mu profile while not traditional in shape has a wire mesh floor so predators cannot get in. I will not lock them in at night. They like to sleep outside. Grass does poke thru when I set it in the grass, but because it has a floor I can also set it up on blocks to let the poop fall thru. In the winter I will set it ontop of our compost pile surround it with hay bales and they will be toasty toasty. I do not intend to light them year round.

I have lived almost everywhere and LOVE Alaska. Hubby. 4 grown kids and a 6 year old. Mastiff mix, JRT, 3 queens, an aquarium, a (*&^%$#@ proudcut Morgan gelding and 5 Buff Orpies!
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I have lived almost everywhere and LOVE Alaska. Hubby. 4 grown kids and a 6 year old. Mastiff mix, JRT, 3 queens, an aquarium, a (*&^%$#@ proudcut Morgan gelding and 5 Buff Orpies!
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post #8 of 9
7/15/12 at 6:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by laseterlass View Post

My "Ark" in my pics on mu profile while not traditional in shape has a wire mesh floor so predators cannot get in. I will not lock them in at night. They like to sleep outside. Grass does poke thru when I set it in the grass, but because it has a floor I can also set it up on blocks to let the poop fall thru. In the winter I will set it ontop of our compost pile surround it with hay bales and they will be toasty toasty. I do not intend to light them year round.

Seems like the hay bales would attract rats & mice.  I also have a colony tractor-style coop and I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do with them over the winter.  I was thinking I might house them in the greenhouse over the winter.

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post #9 of 9
7/17/12 at 5:06am

There is a video i've seen called "Quail Tractor" if you search for it i'm sure it will be helpful

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