Phlighter
Chirping
- Dec 18, 2022
- 28
- 31
- 54
Information I have seen shows crickets to be a source of high protein with less fat than other insects and among the easiest to raise. I've watched videos and browsed pages on raising crickets, but, there are still a few issues I question.
First is the actual logistics of feeding live crickets to caged quail. To be useful, I have to be able to slip a container of crickets into the cage and walk away. The 1/2 inch mesh housing my birds won't hold a cricket for long. I thought about a 1/4 inch wire mesh box so they could pick them through the mesh. But excessive pecking at the mesh is likely to cause injury to the birds. My latest idea is to convert a small feeder that you put a jar on top of. I use these to feed morning snack (seeds, grit, crushed egg shell, and dried worms). How can I keep the crickets in and not keep the birds out? I don't know yet.
Second, what percentage of diet could they become? How many crickets should a quail eat in a day?
First is the actual logistics of feeding live crickets to caged quail. To be useful, I have to be able to slip a container of crickets into the cage and walk away. The 1/2 inch mesh housing my birds won't hold a cricket for long. I thought about a 1/4 inch wire mesh box so they could pick them through the mesh. But excessive pecking at the mesh is likely to cause injury to the birds. My latest idea is to convert a small feeder that you put a jar on top of. I use these to feed morning snack (seeds, grit, crushed egg shell, and dried worms). How can I keep the crickets in and not keep the birds out? I don't know yet.
Second, what percentage of diet could they become? How many crickets should a quail eat in a day?