Bachelor boys and limited light?

[Susan Skylark]

In theory (I don’t plan on trying it!) could you keep a group of bachelor males (coturnix) and limit light exposure (say 8-10 hours a day) and they would live happily ever after together (assuming no bullies and they get along, enough space etc)? I’ve tried banishing bachelor males to the outside rabbit hutch (no females around, can’t hear them crowing in the house!) but they still fought and crowed, etc. now we just eat them at 6 weeks, but if that isn’t an option, can you limit light and limit sexual aggression if you just want platonic quail?

 

[sourland]

Platonic quail almost constitutes an oxymoron. It will be interesting to see if anyone has tried this.

 

[Jener8or]

I have a bachelor flock and they do fine. I've had trouble makers before, but they seem to work it out and it's usually right when they reach maturity (and right when I am able to separate them out from the girls (not feather-sexable)). They are even close enough to hear the females, but can't see them.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I know bachelor flocks can work, I was more interested in the effect of light exposure on social dynamics.

 

[Nabiki]

Less light will reduce their sex drive, which will, in turn reduce their aggression. I don't think that anything will 100% make them get along, but reduced light can help.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I can’t imagine a magic bullet for quail societal happiness, though it would be nice! Just wondering if it might make it more feasible?

 

[Susan Skylark]

A nice theory for pet birds but doesn’t work if you want eggs or chicks!