Bobwhite Quail..........they are picking on each other!!

[Slightly Cracked]

We hatched out 5 Bowhite Quail on December 27th and the have done great up until yesterday.
Then I noticed that one had a bloody leg, I took it out of the brooder and placed it by itself with food and water in my hatcher, it died during the night.

Today I noticed ANOTHER one injured, and I left it on the brooder but seperated it off since I thought I may have stressed the other one. It died.

Now I just went in there and #3 is injured!!! All 3 have had injuries to their leg. What is happening???!!

I doctored this last one with antibacterial stuff to try to keep the other ones off of it.

I haven't actully seen them injure one another, but I assume it could only be that!! The brooder is a rubbermaid tub with a heat lamp, the only thing in it is now 3 quail thier waterer and a feed dish.

HELP!! I really don't want to lose any more.

 

[FarmGirl01]

A lot of people will put a red light on the game birds. I had to do it to keep them from pecking each other. Once a sore gets open they are attracted to the red blood. The light will make it harder to see--less pecking. Mine we ready to be put in a larger brooder with a red light. I also gave them something to climb on, hide under, just to keep them busy. I'm sure someone else will have some more information.
I'm not sure whats going on with yours. Sounds like they have plenty of room and you don't have alot of birds. Maybe they are to hot. Do you have a thermometer? Keep us posted and good luck.

 

[linebacker]

Bobwhites are prone to cannibalism and pick on each other pretty bad. I second the red light and a bigger brooder if possible.
Good luck,
Brad

 

[CountryMom]

Bigger brooder, red light and blue kote any injury. They don't like to peck blue kote. Some branches with leaves or a chunk of cabage for them to play with helps some. I have come to the conclusion after raisng so many this past summer that you just loose a certain amount everytime.

 

[Slightly Cracked]

Do you have a thermometer?

Yes and I started out with the temp right at 100 and have slowly decreased to about 90.

I also gave them something to climb on, hide under, just to keep them busy.

I gave them a small box to hide in and around and the seem to enjoy that.

Bigger brooder, red light and blue kote any injury. They don't like to peck blue kote. Some branches with leaves or a chunk of cabage for them to play with helps some.

I will go snag my red light from my chicks and I will keep the injuries doctored. They will just have to make due with the brooder I have right now. A bigger tote will NOT fit in my batheroom. It is OVER half the size of my bathtub.

I think that should be plently for 3 quail. I will also go gather them some branches and other stimuli to help with thier bordem and create a more natural enviroment for them.
Thanks for all of your help I will keep you updated on how they do.​