Button quail bleeding from ears *pics*

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Weirdest thing; they've never picked on each other before - I have 4 together and they are hatch-mates, 7 weeks old. The blood is dried and I separated it from the others. It has been eating and drinking fine all day and doesn't seem lethargic at all. Should I clean it or leave it be? Put something on it or no?

 

[arlee453]

They are hitting sexual maturity and are probably pecking due to puberty issues.

I'd just keep a close eye on them - you may have to separate if it gets too violent.

Males especially, can be very territorial and won't tolerate other males in their area.

How big is their pen/enclosure? How many do you have in there?

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

I have 4 in a big plastic tub/bin, roughly (am at work so can't measure it) 2x3 feet or so? Maybe a little bigger than that.

How old are they usually when the males get their masks? Isn't that how you tell male from female usually? None of these have masks but I understand the whites won't. The other 3 aren't white.

 

[arlee453]

http://www.buttonquailusa.com/housing.html

I'm no expert by any means - my first group are just 7 wks old also, but I do know overcrowding will make them peck each other... Try the link above and see what info you can find there. I've found that site to be pretty helpful.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Will check it out - thanks! These are the oldest ones I've ever had. I usually sell them all and don't get to keep any for myself!!