Button Quail -- when to transition from brooder to a cage?

[Denninmi]

They're 3 weeks old this week. I think it's probably time, but I'd like confirmation.

I've got the temperature in the brooder (big rubbermade bin) now down to the low to mid 80's with a 25 watt bulb, and they seem fine with that. I figure I'll still keep a heat lamp on in the cage for a while to make sure they are warm enough. Ambient room temp will be in the mid 70's, as its a warm summer, but I still only turn on the air when absolutely necessary, as I prefer the open windows and fresh air.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Pretty much whenever they are big enough to not be able to get through the wire. An adult button has no trouble whatsoever flying through 1" wire, so keep that in mind when choosing/making a cage. Since buttons are so small, and it's recommended to keep them indoors, many people just use the rubbermaid totes as 'cages' for them. I have my youngsters in a 12x12 shipping box