Broody Hen

[atinybrit]

Hi guys!
So I bought my indoor quails not long ago, few months a best. The lady I bought them off of told me that one of the quails had in in fact raised her own young and went broody.

Now all my quails eggs are pushed into a corner each day. However I never see any of my females sitting. Which makes it difficult to know who to separate so she can hatch some babies. I know someone is sitting on them as a small nest is built and they're warm when I take them out, but I have no idea who.
Anyone have any ideas? I haven't got the room to separate them all individually and see who it is, and even though I've covered one end with a towel for protection they still scarper when I come into the room and won't return to the eggs. I've narrowed it down to one of the two girls I have because of a picture the previous owner sent me.


Bit of a pointless post maybe but nobody else listens to my quail antics!

 

[ThaJuicyJuice]

I actually think its a good trait to breed back into them. If you can figure out which one, maybe separate her and see if her young have the same traits. If so I'll order some eggs from you.

 

[pinklily]

Maybe a daft idea but could you get some of those temporary coloured hair spray - like the Halloween party disco things - spray each bird a different colour underneath and then see what colour is transferred to the nest / eggs

 

[sniper338]

Pink thats might educated of you.

 

[pinklily]

Pink thats might educated of you.

*blushes slightly* thank you
I do have moments xx

 

[atinybrit]

That's a mighty good idea! Ooh thank you very much

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

Keep us updated i would love to hear how it goes if ya get her to set some

 

[atinybrit]

We have lift off!
Instead of hairspray I ended up using chalk which seemed to do the trick. Mamma and daddy quail are now alone and hopefully in a few weeks or more we might have babies! Wish me luck everyone!

 

[pinklily]

Awwwww well done - fingers crossed they have a lovely "honeymoon" and you hear the chirp chirp of tiny beaks

 

[atinybrit]

I'll keep you updated!