Aviary going up!

[le_bwah]

I'm looking to build something similar for a starter to 4 quails that I'd like to raise. What's your planned process for cleaning the bottom? I was thinking I'd do either dirt or sand. If I do a deep level of dirt, then I can dig it out and transfer it to my garden as compost possibly? Thoughts?

I'm attempting the deep liter method with shavings/straw/yard clippings, but it's turned out more like deep bedding so far (too dry/not enough decomposition). The bottom is dirt, with about 10 inches of room for substrate. Every week I add a thin layer of new shavings/clippings, and I turn it over every other day. At this rate, I shouldn't have to clean it out for a few more months. I wanted to try sand because I've heard good things about its cleanliness, but I just love the way they burrow in the straw and make little nests. If you go with deep litter/bedding, it'll work great in a compost pile (you want to give bird droppings about six months to "mature", or else it can burn your plants).

 

[hsinglanjin]

Thanks! If I decide to go the sand route for the flooring, how often do you think I'd have to clean that out for just 4-5 quails?

 

[le_bwah]

Thanks! If I decide to go the sand route for the flooring, how often do you think I'd have to clean that out for just 4-5 quails?

For that few birds in about that amount of space, I'd assume you could go on just raking/scooping it clean for a long while. You'd know it was too dirty if it started to smell or the birds started getting droppings stuck to their feet. Some people swear by sand, and it is supposed to reduce the parasite load of ground-raised birds. If you want more info on sand, it might be a good idea to start a "substrate debate" thread and get some experienced folks to chime in.

 

[le_bwah]

I want to brood my current clutch of chicks right next to the adults so they have plenty of time to get to know each other. The brooder was going to be built outside the aviary originally, but after seeing how flighty these chicks are (so much more than the first!) and how brutal the sun is during the heat of the day, I decided to put it inside. The footprint is roughly 3x6, about twice what they'll need as adults, plenty of room I figure for growing out. Thankfully I had enough wood leftover to rip into 2x2 (roughly). It's almost done, just have to figure out a lid and lag it into the main structure.

I want to put them outside at 2.5 weeks, about a week from now. It'll be all stained and installed by then. I really hope the adults won't mind having a little less room for a couple months and that two groups can learn to get along (especially after I cull the extra boys).

 

[le_bwah]

Got the brooder installed! The little quail love it, having more room to dig and hop, and the adults (though VERY curious) don't have the opportunity to harass them. I've got four boys and four girls in it right now, so they'll get even more room after the six-week cull. With any luck I'll be able to integrate the groups when the babies reach maturity. Will update with how that goes.

 

[Erkenstein]

Looking good.

 

[igorsMistress]

@le_bwah
I like your aviary. I'm converting an enclosed garden, using what I have, but yours is just beautiful!

I like your aviary and am considering doing the same to house my quail and possibly my 2 parakeets. I just don't know if I have the time/energy now that it's getting hot, so it may be my fall project.

If you all haven't seen this blog, she has good information on quail and plans for houses and pens.
http://www.gardenupgreen.com/category/quail

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

 

[le_bwah]

@le_bwah
I like your aviary. I'm converting an enclosed garden, using what I have, but yours is just beautiful!

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

Thanks! I'm excited to see how your garden enclosure turns out. And I hear you have eggs coming your way; hatching is SO much fun.

 

[igorsMistress]

Thanks! I'm excited to see how your garden enclosure turns out. And I hear you have eggs coming your way; hatching is SO much fun.

Yes, I'm hoping to get a couple dozen eggs this weekend and then expand from there next Spring. In the meantime I can make any modifications and get some plants going.

 

[le_bwah]

Yes, I'm hoping to get a couple dozen eggs this weekend and then expand from there next Spring. In the meantime I can make any modifications and get some plants going.

I'm happy you can go with an aviary/garden style enclosure. From what I've seen, quail really appreciate being able to dig everywhere and have plants shelter them. They are almost as destructive as chickens when it comes to eating what's around them, so the trick is finding plants they don't like (mine won't eat sage or fountain grass, so that's what they have now).