Best surface for raising quail

[Micket]

After a lot of research I've decided to use sand as the main coop surface for my quail
This Is due it's ability to absorb the wet droppings rather than straw or wood shavings which tend to lump
Can I ask members what is there preferance

 

[Micket]

Since my coop is fully enclosed inside a shed the chance of getting wet is very low
As it's about 100sq ft for 8 quail I believe this will last a while before I need to replace the sand

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

So far using coco coir is going pretty well, I have a small hand-rake to quickly rake the cages every night after collecting their eggs. I have put some woodchip on top of the coco coir every now and then and it doesn't smell as bad as the sand/woodchip did.

 

[Micket]

A quick look at new coop

 

[007Sean]

After a lot of research I've decided to use sand as the main coop surface for my quail
This Is due it's ability to absorb the wet droppings rather than straw or wood shavings which tend to lump
Can I ask members what is there preferance

Dirt!

 

[Nabiki]

Since my coop is fully enclosed inside a shed the chance of getting wet is very low
As it's about 100sq ft for 8 quail I believe this will last a while before I need to replace the sand

It sounds like you are going to have some beautifully spoiled quail. Please post pics when it's ready!

 

[raingarden]

I had trouble with dry poop balls developing on their feet usin sand. They step in wet poop then dry sand and the sand becomes embedded. Then they do it again, another layer forms and it grows and grows.

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

I've tried wood chips piled high, sand and a combo of the both, since ditching my wire bottomed cages. I don't live on any dirt, I live on a paved area only, so got some Coco coir and popped it in the cages. Hoping it is a bit better.

I had trouble with dry poop balls developing on their feet usin sand. They step in wet poop then dry sand and the sand becomes embedded. Then they do it again, another layer forms and it grows and grows.

This was the last straw for me, happened to two of my girls, thankfully got them off before any damages.

 

[HillGuy]

My previous setup had sand. Had problems with poop balls on the bird's feet. So I started topping it off with straw. The straw did help reduce the problem, but my birds were still needing the foot spa to clean their feet way too often. I moved & my new setup is on wire. Much much easier to keep the birds clean. Though not nearly as nice for watching the birds.

I went with the GQF manufacturing pens. That have the coated wire. I also removed some of the dividers to give the birds more room. Overall it's saved me a ton of time and the eggs are cleaner.

 

[Kiki]

After a lot of research I've decided to use sand as the main coop surface for my quail
This Is due it's ability to absorb the wet droppings rather than straw or wood shavings which tend to lump
Can I ask members what is there preferance

Peat moss.