Button quail question

[Kherome]

I've been trying to search the forum here and collect my answers but there is so much conflicting information I don't know!

What sort of cage would be appropriate for button quail? Would something like this work? http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=1374648 Some posts seem to indicate this would be good. Others make it seem like the bars might allow escape.

Can you link me anything or share pictures of anything that would be better or more appropriate?

Thank you

 

[Kherome]

I know there are button keepers here...I searched the forum last night. I seriously need know if there is a commercially available "proper" cage for these guys. I have gathered they can escape from some things, but I didn't see any specifics on bar spacing though.

I also didn't see any really good info on substrate other than several people said not to keep them on wire. Do you keep them on wood chips, sand, or?

 

[dc3085]

I know there are button keepers here...I searched the forum last night. I seriously need know if there is a commercially available "proper" cage for these guys. I have gathered they can escape from some things, but I didn't see any specifics on bar spacing though.

I also didn't see any really good info on substrate other than several people said not to keep them on wire. Do you keep them on wood chips, sand, or?

Keeping them on sand will be less smell and the birds will like it more (which keeps stress down)

As far as a proper cage most people use 20 gallon aquariums or something of that sort. If you're handy you can build something pretty cheap and easy.

 

[GrandmaBird]

Please do not use an aquarium unless you are planning on cleaning the cage EVERY day. The ammonia can build up rather fast and can lead to all sorts of trouble for these little guys. I know lots of folks use them as brooders and some even do for the adults but be warned you will smell them pretty fast if you do.
I use a half tall finch flight cage it has a wire bottom that I cover with non slip shelf liner, cheap at Walmart, and then use aspen chips on that. I only have to change it out about every 2 weeks and I change out the liner once a month and wash it and reuse it. It comes on a large roll so you should be able to get more than one liner cut from the roll. The bars should be 1/2 inch apart especially if you are planning on letting them incubate their eggs, them chicks are tiny! Any way sorry it takes a bit for me to get your question answered. I normally am on here just once a day in the early afternoon MDT.
If you want a pro cage Jodi McDonald sells some on her site: Brackenridgeranch.com
Most pet bird cages are good just be sure you have room for them to run around a bit and the dishes might need to be replaced with ones on the floor. My cage for one pair measures 18 high 18 deep and 36 wide. they are very happy with that and so am I! good luck!