Anyone keeping Coturnix Quail near Mid-Michigan

[coopbuilder3]

Anyone out there near Mid-Michigan with Coturnix quail? Interested in keeping these next year but would like to talk to someone local about the best setup for this climate.

Thanks!

 

[dc3085]

They need their cage covered in plastic sheeting to block drafts during times it is below freezing. That's about it. If you're seeing long periods of -20* F or something then you may need to throw in a reptile pad or a heat station of some sort but that's a last resort for extreme situations and can do more harm than good.

They are from northern China, Russia, mountains of Japan, and eastern and parts of western europe. They are well adapted to cold weather. They will grow down if allowed to be out in the cold, to protect them from the cold. If you give them heat they won't grow down, then that day your power goes out, they'll all die.

In the winter you might not bother with spectrum light for eggs bc your eggs will crack anyway if they freeze. Also some people on here have some snappy ideas for keeping water thawed out if you search around a little.