Breeder Cage Size

[chickhopeful12]

JJMR---

What would you say would be a good size for a quad?

 

[wpalmisano]

Usually, for normal sized quail, ie Bobs and Coturnix, you want one square foot per bird in my experience. You can cram 100 of them in if you like, but its makes hygiene difficult and causes stress on your flock, making them prone to disease and reducing fertility. Also, cannibalism occurs especially in Bobwhites. Further, if you cram them together like that, your Coturnix females won't have a feather left on them. If feeder space becomes scarce, more fighting. This is why many battery cages are about 2.5 sq. ft. for 3 birds.
Anyway, that's just my humble opinion, and others will differ. Quail are living creatures. They provide food for me and my family and I treat them with respect. Before I slaughter them. : )

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
GENERAL RULES OF THUMB--- STRESS GENERAL HERE,

BUTTONS NEED 20 INCHES PER PAIR
COTURNIX 1 SQ/FT PER BIRD
BOBS 2 SQ/FT PER BIRD ( UNLESS ITS MATING SEASON THEN ADD 10 FT TO THIS--- THEY ARE MEAN LIL DUDES)
GAMBELS/ VALLEYS 2SQ/FT PER BIRD AND I AM LED TO BELEIVE THE SAME IS TRUE FOR MOUNTAIN QUAIL AS WELL. MEARNES ARE A WHOLE DIFFERENT SUBJECT

SO GIVEN THE RULE OF THUMB A BREEDING QUAD OF COTURNIX WOULD BE FINE IN 2X2 FT PEN....IF THE BIRDS GET ALONG WELL YOU CAN EVEN EXPAND TO A QUINT OR MAYBE 5 HENS AND A ROO? THEN AGAIN DONT FORGET FISH & GAME/ DNR--- SOME STATES HAVE EXCESSIVE RULES AND OTHERS HAVE NONE.