Aspiring Coturnix Quail Homesteader

[MaceFox]

Hello all! I've been browsing the forums here for tips on raising some quail. There is a ton of useful information here so I figured I would join. My wife and I live in Northern Maine so I have been digging information on winter care for our birds before we purchase. I think I have a really good idea for my design but have a few questions. We are looking to start out slow and eventually reach around 50+ birds so we can process some every week. We want to provide our family with some fresh game meat every week and freeze some for later on. What I am planning to do is build 2 cages that are connected but separated in the middle with wire and a heated water source. For example - |--cage--|water|--cage--|. This way I can save on space and only have to provide power to one waterer for two cages. I am aware of the 1 roo to 4-6 hen ratio but would it be safe to have 2 roo's and 8-12 hens in the same cage? I am also aware of the 1 sqft area for each bird so I will make sure to make the cages large enough. Just want to keep our new birds happy and healthy! Thanks everyone!

 

[FortCluck]

 

[PioneerChicks]

Welcome to "The Flock"! There are a ton of people on here who know a lot about quail who can help! Have a good day!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. I have no experience with Coturnix, but my gut is that two cocks would not coexist well.

 

[Gray Farms]

@sourland is right, two males will not tolerate each other in the same cage.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Quail are such fun birds to keep! Such personality packed into tiny birds. As the others have stated, you should not keep 2 males and their harems together in the same pen. Should you build a large aviary, you can get away with groups of birds. Quail can and do kill each other over territory. They mature up fast, at 9 weeks they will be laying. Get yourself an incubator and start incubating those eggs as soon as you get them! You can turn over birds for the table in 6 to 8 weeks fast!!

Definitely stop by our Quail section for more help. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/quail.48/

Good luck with your quail and welcome to our community!

 

[BullChick]

Quail are great birds, and I love your setup. I don’t want to confuse you about the male ratio, I just have not had an issue with over mating or fighting. Of course, I can say the same with all of my groups (turkey, ducks and chicken). I might just be a very lucky person!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.l
Good luck with your plans.

 

[feathermaid]

Best wishes starting your quail adventures!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.