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Raising Quail for first time...advice

post #1 of 2
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The local feed store has about 30 baby quail (I'm guessing bob-white from pictures?!?!).  We live in Florida.  I'm thinking of picking up 3 to raise as semi-pets.  I have a large fenced in yard and have a great deal of success raising ducks (which come and go as they choose now).

 

I understand the temps will be an issue and will likely bring them in at night to keep them warm.  My question is: is it possible to just clip one side of their wings and let them free range in my yard?  Short of a hawk swooping down to get them - if they can't fly over the six foot fence, will they be okay?  After they get past the vulnerable baby stage, are they much different than just keeping 3 chickens in the back yard?

 

If they do get out, will they come back to the food source / nest/bed they are used to?  (e.g. my ducks come back to the food and anytime I whistle).

 

Thanks in advance.

post #2 of 2

quail must be kept in a pen at all times.  From my experience, most of the time they will not come back to a coop or food like a chicken or duck. Once loose and un-catchable, i consider it a lost bird.

Of course i have never tried to freerange my quail, because everything likes to eat quail.
 

SQ Rose comb RIRs, SQ Silver Penciled rocks, SQ white/bbs bearded silkies , hatchery Reds, Buff Orps, coturnix quail and 2 cats.  Member of American Silkie Bantam Club
 

Swap Page   http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=97667-swap-page

 

My website is now up and running.
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SQ Rose comb RIRs, SQ Silver Penciled rocks, SQ white/bbs bearded silkies , hatchery Reds, Buff Orps, coturnix quail and 2 cats.  Member of American Silkie Bantam Club
 

Swap Page   http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=97667-swap-page

 

My website is now up and running.
http://RCPoultry.webs.com

Reply
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