Arizona Heat and Quail Eggs

[russellweight]

So this will be our first summer having our Coturnix Quail. Everyone that I have talked to here in the Phoenix area that I have spoken with says they do fine in our AZ heat, as long as they stay shaded and have plenty of water. That being said, what does the heat do to their egg making ability? Does it slow down as it gets hot?

Things we are doing to fight the heat:
1. I have installed a water loop from our aquaponics system to their water system. This way they always have fresh (cooler) water flowing to their water nipples to drink.
2. As temps near triple dig's we are placing frozen water bottles in their cages for them to cool off with. Although all they seem to do is peck and jump over them... LOL
3. Their cages are mounted on a block wall with our grape plants growing over them and each has shade screen in addition to shade them further.

Are there any other things that you would suggest doing to help fight our heat?

Thanks!

 

[russellweight]

Anyone have thoughts?

 

[russellweight]

 

[russellweight]

 

[Skankiewicz]

I take the bottom saucer from my plastic plant containers and fill it up with ice and a bit of water. Then throw some meal worms on top. They like to stand in the cold water and drink the cold water first before their feeder water, which I also add ice too. Also feeding melon is great.