A Few Questions About Jumbo Coturnix Quails...

[ShadowCrona]

Thanks~

I found a bag of Dove andcQuail Feed at Petsmart. Is this okay? Think its for Bobwhites.

 

[Pancholoco]

Thanks~

I found a bag of Dove andcQuail Feed at Petsmart. Is this okay? Think its for Bobwhites

I didn't found it online but I think it will be between 10 to 15 dollars for just a few pounds. If you have a feed store near you go and check, you would need something in very high protein. I start mine with Purina Game bird feed(30%) and when they are a month old I start with turkey grower.(22%)

 

[ShadowCrona]

I didn't found it online but I think it will be between 10 to 15 dollars for just a few pounds. If you have a feed store near you go and check, you would need something in very high protein. I start mine with Purina Game bird feed(30%) and when they are a month old I start with turkey grower.(22%)

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11147237 That's the food. But it's for a different species than either Coturnix or Bobwhite. It was about 5 bucks for 5 pounds. But where would I find the starter?

 

[Pancholoco]

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11147237 That's the food. But it's for a different species than either Coturnix or Bobwhite. It was about 5 bucks for 5 pounds. But where would I find the starter?

Have you checked nutritional value?

Try here, just enter your zip code and click go.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

I have two boys living indoors in a glass cage. Yes, they are noisy. As for treats, they seem to like hemp seeds and quinoa, both are high protein. Mine ignored a strawberry I offered them. They came to me as adults and are not cuddly pets at all, but much less "flighty" and scared than the Button Quail I also own.

 

[Pancholoco]

I have two boys living indoors in a glass cage. Yes, they are noisy. As for treats, they seem to like hemp seeds and quinoa, both are high protein. Mine ignored a strawberry I offered them. They came to me as adults and are not cuddly pets at all, but much less "flighty" and scared than the Button Quail I also own.

Alone males always will be noisy, even with other males. They call to see if a female is hearing his song(Call).

 

[Quailsong]

Sorry about that Shadow, I've been preparing for a hatch and haven't been paying attention to the posts going on. Anyway, I consider myself an Ambassador of sorts to prevent Coryza, a respiratory illness that chickens pass to quail that is fatal. Also, I made a statement to put a nickel in a jar anytime a member posts about chickens and quail; I've collected $2.17 since the first week of march.

You kinda baited her. Like a sneaky cop trying to fill their quota.

On that statement, I've heard of people intentionally mixing game birds with domestic to improve their immunities to Coryza & other infections. This way when an infected wild bird drops some feces off in the area, the fowl are much more likely to adapt. Of course just introducing an outside bird to an already existing flock will have issues - this is what some people unfortunately experience & why they say mixing species can cause such problems.

Shadow, welcome to quail-keeping!

I'm not a quail-keeper yet, but I'm learning quite a bit about them. Below are my thoughts, feel free to take them or leave them!

1) My friend is taking them at the end of summer. Would one make a good pet?

Quail tend to like company. Esp Coturnix - 1 male to 4/7 females would be ideal.

2) How do you clip quails' wings?

Sharp scissors & patience. You can clip the outer flight feathers (the ones closest to the ends) or the inner ones (the ones closer to the body). If you do the former they can't fly very far, but it's 'unsightly' for human eyes. If you do the latter, they can fly a few feet, but the clipping is hidden under the longer ones. You can also do just one wing. It's really up to you.

3) Do they need any specific shots or medicines (I know about grit and oyster shells, but I am asking about immunity and vaccines).

You can build up their immunities with garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar, yogurt & much outdoor living. This will reduce your need for shots.

4) Do these guys do well if they are handled (not saying cuddled or anything-- just if I were moving them from one place to another, like a cage to a pen), and would they be okay around other pets or should I avoid any contact with other pets?

Yes. Handle them often as babies, keep them where they can see you - some folks actually use aquariums as a brooder so they become more tame & keep dust down indoors. Careful with pets, some might see them as a snack.
5) Last question (bet you're all like, "FINALLY SHE'S DONE!!

). What kind of food that could be laying around the house (tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, etc. would be okay for them to eat as a treat (like a list) and what foods are toxic (besides avacado)?

Most things a bird can eat, quail can eat as well. Variety is key. You could check chicken food lists, parrot lists, etc. I don't know of anything quail are specifically allergic to that say a chicken could eat.

 

[LJpnw]

For health you can use Colloidal Silver & or food grade hydrogen peroxide. I use a few drops of 35% peroxide in the drinking water. This raises oxygen levels in the blood and fights off disease. Also kills bacteria in the water so if you have a problem with bird poo in your waterer the peroxide or colloidal silver will kill the bacteria without harming the quail. I also use alkaline ionized water. You can get a counter top 6 stage alkaline water filter on e-bay for around $100. If you do not know about alkaline water look it up. You can get a diy colloidal silver kit for around $200. All of this will work for human health also so its a solid investment.

Colloidal silver kits.
http://silverbulletenterprises.com/

Example of an alkaline filter system for $100 + shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Titan-Water...977?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c178a219

 

[ShadowCrona]

For health you can use Colloidal Silver & or food grade hydrogen peroxide. I use a few drops of 35% peroxide in the drinking water. This raises oxygen levels in the blood and fights off disease. Also kills bacteria in the water so if you have a problem with bird poo in your waterer the peroxide or colloidal silver will kill the bacteria without harming the quail. I also use alkaline ionized water. You can get a counter top 6 stage alkaline water filter on e-bay for around $100. If you do not know about alkaline water look it up. You can get a diy colloidal silver kit for around $200. All of this will work for human health also so its a solid investment.

Colloidal silver kits.
http://silverbulletenterprises.com/

Example of an alkaline filter system for $100 + shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Titan-Water...977?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c178a219

Actually that's very helpful because one of mine decided (s)he really liked to eat other birds' poo after it had been sitting in the waterer. Most frequent though is that food or pine chips get into it and get gross.

I have some 3% USP hydrogen peroxide that says it's okay to put in your mouth... Is that okay? This is basically what it is (different brand but same thing): http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-hydrogen-peroxide-3-topical-solution-usp/ID=prod6056573-product

Or do I have to buy the food grade stuff? How much does it usually cost and where can I find it (like at a Walgreens or something)?

 

[LJpnw]

You have to use food grade. You can find it at most health food stores. I got some a few weeks ago at a tiny health food store in the boonies and i paid $14 for a 16 oz bottle of 35% food grade peroxide. You only use a few drops int he water so it lasts a long time. Check out this free book on using peroxide to cure disease. http://www.therapycure.com/OneMinuteCure.pdf