Adding in 2 or 3 more females?

[DuckDuckSook]

Hi Friends!

I just adopted a pair of coturnix quail (1 male and 1 female) and I want to add in some more hens. Would it be best to add in 2 or 3 more females? Let me know what you think.
Thanks!

 

[PatientType]

How many birds depend on your reasons for owning them and the size of your cage. But, as far as integration into a flock without too much drama, I'd think that more is better. One male can easily service 4 hens. I've seen that some experienced quail breeders suggest adding new birds at night to reduce the chance of violence. Also, adding all the birds, new and old, to a new pen or cage at once is said to be less likely to spark territorial disputes than adding new birds to birds that have occupied a cage for awhile.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

How many birds depend on your reasons for owning them and the size of your cage. But, as far as integration into a flock without too much drama, I'd think that more is better. One male can easily service 4 hens. I've seen that some experienced quail breeders suggest adding new birds at night to reduce the chance of violence. Also, adding all the birds, new and old, to a new pen or cage at once is said to be less likely to spark territorial disputes than adding new birds to birds that have occupied a cage for awhile.

Okay. Thanks. I'm just keeping them as pets and for eggs. The space for them is 3x6. I've only had the 2 for a day. I'm hoping to add the new ones in this week so the disputes should be minimal. I can add them in at night too.

 

[Nabiki]

The ideal ratio is one male to five females. Your 3x6 pen is a good size for 6 birds.

Adding them at night is the best way to go.