Any tips?

[Chickem707]

So I’m getting quail next season, most likely Japanese. They have a big 2x3m avery on grass and a little hutch for night. They will probably be fed on chick starter which has 21% protien. Anyone have any tips or advice that will help? Thanks

 

[Gray Farms]

Game bird grower/finisher would be better if you can get it.

 

[Chickem707]

Game bird grower/finisher would be better if you can get it.

Unfortunately my local feed store doesn’t supply that, closest would be turkey grower

 

[Gray Farms]

Unfortunately my local feed store doesn’t supply that, closest would be turkey grower

That should work. 21% protein is a little low for game birds.

 

[Acre4Me]

Well, often people raising quail on the ground find that reinforcing the bottom couple of feet with 1/2” or 1/4” hardware cloth (HWC) is important so predators dont reach in and grab your quail by the neck or feet and kill them. In addition, you should have an apron of HWC or some kind of barrier to prevent diggers. Rats are a predator as well as the larger ones like raccoons.

I would see if you can up the protein in the feed as well. Sometimes feed stores can order in a certain feed. Turkey starter/grower is often pretty high in protein, but don’t get medicated.

Good luck!

 

[Chickem707]

Well, often people raising quail on the ground find that reinforcing the bottom couple of feet with 1/2” or 1/4” hardware cloth (HWC) is important so predators dont reach in and grab your quail by the neck or feet and kill them. In addition, you should have an apron of HWC or some kind of barrier to prevent diggers. Rats are a predator as well as the larger ones like raccoons.

I would see if you can up the protein in the feed as well. Sometimes feed stores can order in a certain feed. Turkey starter/grower is often pretty high in protein, but don’t get medicated.

Good luck!

The enclosure has about 3inches of wire skirt to try to deter digging predators. Racoons are pretty rare here, but foxes sometimes take people chickens.
Thank you for the advice!

 

[BReeder!]

Are you hatching or getting live birds? I just started my first quail hatch. Happy to share what I learn along the way if you are going to hatch as well.

 

[Chickem707]

Are you hatching or getting live birds? I just started my first quail hatch. Happy to share what I learn along the way if you are going to hatch as well.

Think I’m getting about 6 week old ones

 

[igorsMistress]

Use 1/2 or 1/4 inch hwc for the sides of your aviary. Chicken wire lets their heads through and owls will hunt on the ground, one to flush and one to catch. Hubs didn't cover the door with hwc at first and I lost one this way. All they got was the head, but the owls still come back to hunt regularly.

They like wild bird seed a lot and some chick grit is helpful. Oyster shell I'm not clear on but I put some in there and they do go through it.

 

[Gray Farms]

Agreed, don't use chicken wire. Racoons and possums can reach through and grab birds.