Button Quail died leaving her friend on her own. What do I do? Is it best to leave her on her own, or does she need a friend?

[member 617367]

.

 

[Kiki]

First...
What exactly do you feed your birds?
What exactly is a vinegar flush?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

@Nabiki

 

[Capto Veritas]

Birds and chicken alike are social animals. Your quail needs a buddy, or she could get ill from loneliness.

 

[member 617367]

First...
What exactly do you feed your birds?
What exactly is a vinegar wash?

.

 

[member 617367]

Birds and chicken alike are social animals. Your quail needs a buddy, or she could get ill from loneliness.

Thank you for your reply when would you suggest introducing to her a new buddy? Her sister passed last night would you reccomend finding her a friend ASAP or giving her time to grieve

 

[member 617367]

First...
What exactly do you feed your birds?
What exactly is a vinegar flush?

.

 

[Kiki]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-hen-update-good-news.1164701/#post-18323485

This was the thread I found

You forced vinegar into her vent?

Never ever do that again.

 

[Nabiki]

It sounds like you're not feeding them what they need. They should be getting a game bird crumble that is about 28% protein as chicks, but can be reduced to around 20% once they're adults. Most of what you mentioned that you feed them are treats, and treats shouldn't be more than 10% of their diet.

Button quail are social and do best in pairs. They only have about a 2 and a half year lifespan, so you may end up getting birds regularly if you plan on keeping them. You should definitely get your girl a companion or rehome her to someone who has buttons already.

Your hen sounds like she was egg bound. If something like that happens again, it's usually recommended to give her a gentle soak in warm (maybe a couple degrees above quail body temp) water and gently massage around the vent. A bit of oil might also help her get the egg out. The vinegar wash was probably not a good idea.

 

[Kiki]

I agree with the feed being the problem.
Can you not buy game bird crumble feed?
Layer crumble would be better that what you currently feed too.