Butcher birds attacking my quails

[rachel877112]

I should have specified the type of bird, I’ll attach a photo. I can’t move their cage indoors so they will need to be outside and unnatended at some points. I’ll add some more bush and hay for the quails to hide in. I will also consider getting some finer wire mesh to place around the cage area. Thank you all for your tips, keep them coming!

 

[Ribh]

I don't know much about Quail but aren't they ground dwellers? Could you run something like cardboard around the bottom foot or so of the coop so it's harder for the BBs to see in? I know the gate's a pain but the BBs are going to be hard to discourage if they can see a food source right there, especially if they are working as a team. We have lots of BB round here & very little frightens them ~ not even humans.

 

[rachel877112]

I don't know much about Quail but aren't they ground dwellers? Could you run something like cardboard around the bottom foot or so of the coop so it's harder for the BBs to see in? I know the gate's a pain but the BBs are going to be hard to discourage if they can see a food source right there, especially if they are working as a team. We have lots of BB round here & very little frightens them ~ not even humans.

They are ground dwellers, I lock them in the nest box at night to keep them safe and let them out early in the morning. When the BBs were attacking today only one of the quail ran into the box. The cardboard sounds like a great idea for a temporary soloution, I’ll add that tomorrow too!

 

[Danny C.]

Not familiar with these birds but can’t be any worse than hawks and falcons that try to get in my pen. It’s very well enforced at bottom and check staples from time to time to be sure no gaps. 3 to 4 days the raptors give up but do cause havoc with my bobwhites. Have lost a few from them flying up and probably breaking necks on rooftop. I think if you have cover inside and strength around they will be fine. Fishkeeper is right on with hanging CD’s, they do work.

 

[Fishkeeper]

If you put a box underneath the nesting box, so that it's on the ground, I think they'll be more inclined to use that. They don't generally know what to do with ramps. Also, put in some fake Christmas tree branches or something similar, give them some fake brush to hide under, and be sure you pad the roof so they can't spook and break their necks on it.

 

[Ribh]

How is it going?

 

[rachel877112]

How is it going?

The temporary extra fence and boards I placed around seem to be enough for them to hide which is deterring the BBs. I’ve had many people say they will adjust to being locked in their nesting box at night too. Will see how they go today as it will be the first full day with new coverage! Also is it normal for them to sleep during the day in rainy weather??

 

[Ribh]

The temporary extra fence and boards I placed around seem to be enough for them to hide which is deterring the BBs. I’ve had many people say they will adjust to being locked in their nesting box at night too. Will see how they go today as it will be the first full day with new coverage! Also is it normal for them to sleep during the day in rainy weather??

Sorry, I have no idea. I've never kept quail. The only sort I know are the wild ones we have round here & I hardly ever see them. Glad the fix is working. BBs can be the worst just because they are so smart.