Hi there, I'm new to the site and new to quail, but I'm getting into them more and more. I'm afraid I have OCD..ha ha...Here's my question/problem that maybe someone can kindly point me in the right direction? I would like to build a bank of decent sized aviary/flight pens with 3 different species. I do want production, but I also want to be able to enter a flight pen type situation that I can be in the same enclosure with them. I realize they are not real social birds with people, but would like to seem them get plenty of room to fly and move around at the same time filling next boxes each day. Make sense? So, my question is.....is this practical or should I stick with smaller, elevated coops? I live in So. Cal, have property for a decent sized set up. Drainage on the dirt/ground during winter months isn't a problem if I keep them on the ground. I would just like a it to be a mix of being able to watch them and get the most amount of eggs as possible. Any suggestions? I've been looking online at pics to make sure my husbandry is correct, but I don't see enough of what I'm trying to do. Help? Thanks, Barry
Check out this video of my quail pen , they loved it when they had all that space to play around in but I had to move them to a smaller pen, if you want production out of you bird go with the coturnix those things are egg machines. BTW where in southern californi are you?
You can see lots of beautiful pens on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=280575 I am like you. I like being able to go into the quail pen and interact with my birds. I have found that if you give them enough space to were they do not feel cornered that they calm down dramatically and are not as spastic. I have some that are even eager to be around me and run up to see me and even lay down right next to me. Well I am saying it's me and not the treats. I am not quite sure exactly what you are looking for. Are you looking for a pen that you can separate into 3 sections or are you looking for 3 different pens? I have 2 pens that are heavily planted. One that is @10'l x 8'w x 6'h ( forgot exactly) and then my other one is @8' x 8' x 8'. As for this being practical, I am cussing every two weeks when I am out there cleaning, raking and sifting sand. But would I change it? Nope. I get way to much enjoyment going out and watching my quails. I really think that it all depends on how much time you are willing to put into cleaning the ground. And since I am in Florida I have to worm my birds every three months because they are on the ground as opposed to being up on wire were they are only wormed twice a year. Not suppose to eat the eggs for two(?) weeks after worming. That is something else for you to consider. I guess it is up to you and how much work you want to put in to them. Just know that quail are addicting and you can never have to many!!
