Hello 
Just re-introducing myself. I've posted in the past 10 years about my backyard chickens and later my backyard muscovies in the Seattle area, but my wife and I have relocated to Phoenix in the past two years or so and I've been wanting to get some backyard pets again. I'm thinking with a small lot in a subdivision in Chandler that chickens are a no-go but some sort of inspiration hit me about 10 days ago and I decided to try my hand at raising a few backyard quail.
I built a small 2'x6'x2' enclosure on the east side of our home which will give it shade from about midday on. I've been slowly growing a container garden on that side of our house and I think the quail will make a nice addition to my private space. There are so many birds chirping in the area that I'm guessing (hoping) that the neighbor doesn't even know what I'm doing.
The pics show the enclosure almost finished. I have to finish adding some hardware and touch up a few things as well. I've since added an inexpensive misting system to the top of the run area for the hottest days, which I hope will keep them comfortable. Inside, there are a few plants that I planted into the ground - I trimmed the base hardware cloth to make room, so hopefully that'll help protect the roots. If not, most of my plant purchases are from the Lowe's $1/$3/$5 discount shelves, and these two plants were purchased last year for $1 each so no big deal. The run area also has a large rock, some pieces of palm tree bark, and (not shown) a half a plastic planter cut in half with the bottom removed so they can run through or hide. Inside the enclosed area is sand, while the run is just dirt for now.
I still need to make some covers for protection but it's comfortable right now so I can do it in a week or so. I also need to put my temporary homemade food and water containers inside. Beyond that, any suggestions or observations are appreciated.
I'm hoping to get 3-4 female coturnix tomorrow from a guy in Phoenix. We'll see how it goes. Looking forward to learning from the group (again).
-Dave
Just re-introducing myself. I've posted in the past 10 years about my backyard chickens and later my backyard muscovies in the Seattle area, but my wife and I have relocated to Phoenix in the past two years or so and I've been wanting to get some backyard pets again. I'm thinking with a small lot in a subdivision in Chandler that chickens are a no-go but some sort of inspiration hit me about 10 days ago and I decided to try my hand at raising a few backyard quail.
I built a small 2'x6'x2' enclosure on the east side of our home which will give it shade from about midday on. I've been slowly growing a container garden on that side of our house and I think the quail will make a nice addition to my private space. There are so many birds chirping in the area that I'm guessing (hoping) that the neighbor doesn't even know what I'm doing.
The pics show the enclosure almost finished. I have to finish adding some hardware and touch up a few things as well. I've since added an inexpensive misting system to the top of the run area for the hottest days, which I hope will keep them comfortable. Inside, there are a few plants that I planted into the ground - I trimmed the base hardware cloth to make room, so hopefully that'll help protect the roots. If not, most of my plant purchases are from the Lowe's $1/$3/$5 discount shelves, and these two plants were purchased last year for $1 each so no big deal. The run area also has a large rock, some pieces of palm tree bark, and (not shown) a half a plastic planter cut in half with the bottom removed so they can run through or hide. Inside the enclosed area is sand, while the run is just dirt for now.
I still need to make some covers for protection but it's comfortable right now so I can do it in a week or so. I also need to put my temporary homemade food and water containers inside. Beyond that, any suggestions or observations are appreciated.
I'm hoping to get 3-4 female coturnix tomorrow from a guy in Phoenix. We'll see how it goes. Looking forward to learning from the group (again).
-Dave
. Planting around the pen is a good idea, gives them some shelter (and, eventually, something to peck at). Make sure nothing but you can lift the lid—a pair of raccoons or a nosy dog will get inside without a lock.
