Attempting to build a quail coop

[whatdoidohere]

Hi all,

I'm attempting to build a quail coop and I need some feedback/pointers. They're coturnix. There's 22 of them. 4 males and a bunch of ladies. The inside of the coop is about 22-24 sqft. It will have a floor and be predator-proofed.
My biggest concern is making sure they have enough space that they will live peaceably and not kill each other.
What substrate should I use on the floor for easy cleanup? They will have a few sandboxes in there for sandy fun.

edit: I guess it's more of an aviary than a coop. There won't be a run, they'll be inside the vast majority of the time

TIA for reading

 

[Whiskybear]

First thought: the only way be sure they have enough space is to add some. No way around that. They might get along passably or even swimmingly in that space… they probably won’t though.
I’ve successfully overcrowded with a questionable ratio before. The 1 per sq ft thing doesn’t account for mutiple males. Best of luck on that part.
If that’s the space and ratio you’re working with, I would suggest lots of hiding places (which complicates your life as the one cleaning). Beyond that…
It was unclear if you plan a covered vs open area. Also, if you’re thinking a removable floor, substrate pan. Might clarify a bit. But I’ve offered all the pseudo wisdom I can fabricate at the moment. Good luck. Enjoy the project.

 

[whatdoidohere]

First thought: the only way be sure they have enough space is to add some. No way around that. They might get along passably or even swimmingly in that space… they probably won’t though.
I’ve successfully overcrowded with a questionable ratio before. The 1 per sq ft thing doesn’t account for mutiple males. Best of luck on that part.
If that’s the space and ratio you’re working with, I would suggest lots of hiding places (which complicates your life as the one cleaning). Beyond that…
It was unclear if you plan a covered vs open area. Also, if you’re thinking a removable floor, substrate pan. Might clarify a bit. But I’ve offered all the pseudo wisdom I can fabricate at the moment. Good luck. Enjoy the project.

It's covered. Do people usually make open coops? The floor wouldn't be removable but it would be plastic which is why I was planning on covering it with removable substrate.
Is the 1 sqft per bird rule not really true, then? I thought it was generous.

 

[Whiskybear]

I know you said "no run" but I can be a little slow with imagination…
I meant boxed in portion vs wire walled portion. If it’s not located in a shelter, the closed in portion is a weather consideration.

 

[whatdoidohere]

I know you said "no run" but I can be a little slow with imagination…
I meant boxed in portion vs wire walled portion. If it’s not located in a shelter, the closed in portion is a weather consideration.

Aah, it's ok, I think I misinterpreted what you meant anyways, because I was racking my brain trying to figure out what an open coop looked like.
It would be boxed in, no wire walls.

 

[Nabiki]

The one square foot per bird is after you subtract the space for feeders, waterers, dirt bath, and hiding places. As @Whiskybear said, if you have multiple males, you will need a bit more space and more hiding places.

If I use bedding, I use pine shavings, but I keep mine on dirt after they leave the brooder. I hoe the dirt under as needed and move the birds to another garden bed every 3-5 months.

 

[Whiskybear]

Aah, it's ok, I think I misinterpreted what you meant anyways, because I was racking my brain trying to figure out what an open coop looked like.
It would be boxed in, no wire walls.

"No wire walls" Now I have trouble imagining that. Tell ya what. I work 3rd shift, my weekend just started with 1 shower and 2 whiskies. I’m gonna bow out and leave this conversation to folks who’ll be coherent enough to follow through with it.
I repeat: good luck, enjoy!

 

[whatdoidohere]

The one square foot per bird is after you subtract the space for feeders, waterers, dirt bath, and hiding places. As @Whiskybear said, if you have multiple males, you will need a bit more space and more hiding places.

If I use bedding, I use pine shavings, but I keep mine on dirt after they leave the brooder. I hoe the dirt under as needed and move the birds to another garden bed every 3-5 months.

If it was 3 males instead of 4, would the 22 sqft be enough for them to coexist? I'd like to get them out of their current setup but don't want a bloodbath.

 

[whatdoidohere]

"No wire walls" Now I have trouble imagining that. Tell ya what. I work 3rd shift, my weekend just started with 1 shower and 2 whiskies. I’m gonna bow out and leave this conversation to folks who’ll be coherent enough to follow through with it.
I repeat: good luck, enjoy!

you need more whiskies! tyvm for the help!

 

[Nabiki]

If it was 3 males instead of 4, would the 22 sqft be enough for them to coexist? I'd like to get them out of their current setup but don't want a bloodbath.

That would still be 21 birds in 22 square feet. After you subtract the space for feeders, waterers, dirt bath, and hiding places, I don't think they're left with 1 square foot per bird. My pens are 20 square feet with no more than 12 birds per pen.