California - Northern

[RooJi]

Depending on where you live, there are a couple ads on Sacramento Craigslist. There is a breeder in Ione and another in Elk Grove. 

Oh sweet! Ok thank you!

 

[sewandgrow]

I am wanting to start up with quail and have absolutely no idea about them. What I am looking for is what size of a cage I need for about 60 snowflake or California Valley quail. Also what kind of feed do I buy for them? And what kind of nest do they need? Any links would be appreciated so I can go on and just read and maybe see some pictures of others' set up. Thank you

Chiquita had good information for you. I tried 4 specialty breeds of quail shipped from a good breeder but was so disappointed after great expense. I considered it a lesson learned. I love the regular Jumbo Brown or White Coturnix though. Great egg layers & reproducers, easily attainable, great hatchers, like watching popcorn pop.....LOL. It just depends on what you are wanting. If you want specialty breeds & have all your facts & are ready to give them a try go for it. I have always loved new experiences. The spice of life.

To start, you need a special permit to raise California (or Valley) quail or any other game bird like pheasant or morning doves etc. I'd stick to Coturnix quail. They in so many great colors and are much more domesticated & better for backyard flocks.

Agree................

.

 

[sewandgrow]

Does anyone have guinea or know where i can get some local guinea keets?

We have keets hatching now but their Mommas are really protective. I checked your profile for your location but California is a big place. The Guineas are free range so are mixed colors. We are trying to catch them & put them in the brooder because the hawks get all of them if we don't. My son was able to grab 4 yesterday & will try for more. There are 2 hens sitting on a huge clutch that are hatching now.

 

[RooJi]

We have keets hatching now but their Mommas are really protective. I checked your profile for your location but California is a big place. The Guineas are free range so are mixed colors. We are trying to catch them & put them in the brooder because the hawks get all of them if we don't. My son was able to grab 4 yesterday & will try for more. There are 2 hens sitting on a huge clutch that are hatching now.

i am in san jose area but will drive as far as redding. Im looking to get three keets and raise them with my chicks. I dont mind what color they are i think they are all adorable haha! At how many days old could i pick them up? And when do you think the next clutch will hatch?

 

[Happy Chooks]

 
Does anyone know anyone with LF Cochin?   Someone on the FB page I manage for local chicken people would like some.

Just for my own information what is so appealing about Cochin  I just look at those feathered feet and think not a chance.

My understanding is they are generally sweet really good pets and most of the comments on broodies seem to be Cochin or Silkies

They make great broodies. I've never had a Cochin, but they are talked about like silkies for broodiness.

 

[TheKeeper]

Does anyone have guinea or know where i can get some local guinea keets?

My feed store will order them if i ask them to & prepay for them. He's had trouble in the past of people ask for stuff then flaking out.
If you can't find a local breeder, it's an alternative for you. I'd be fine being a middle man.

 

[TheKeeper]

@RooJi Oh never mind. @sewandgrow has you hooked up & its not a long drive.

I'm so jealous! I love those little old lady looking vulture birds and their cute noises. Plus they are very tasty to eat, like pheasant.

 

[ZoiChick]

Love them Candy.

Thanks Cyndi      I have 11 Silkie eggs due to hatch on Sunday, along with EE, OE, d'Anver, GCM and Ameraucanas. Second hatch of Ameraucanas and OEs due on the 29th and I am starting Ameraucana and GCM eggs tomorrow. Are your SLW girls laying yet? 

Not yet. Last years cockerel is only beginning to feel his hormones so, no matter----Yet. The Postal Service messed up my chick delivery and took 5 days instead of the guaranteed 2 getting them here from Boise. Imagine sending them through Oakland instead of to Sac! Then sitting in Oakland for 36 hours. A deadly error. The breeder is wonderful though sad at the outcome as am I.

This is the K taken last month .

The blrs and the little blue pullet are all laying and father and son are doing their job, LOL at least Sonny is getting in an occasionally successful sneak attack. Like father like son. -

Your Silkies and GCM eggs look wonderful.

 

[TheKeeper]

Just for my own information what is so appealing about Cochin  I just look at those feathered feet and think not a chance.

My understanding is they are generally sweet really good pets and most of the comments on broodies seem to be Cochin or Silkies

I have a bantam & a standard cochin. My experience has been that they are very sweet with people but won't be pushed around in their flock. They have been amazing broodies. The standard black one i call Texas because she is so ferocious protecting her chicks. She'll chase anyone who gets within 4 feet of her babies all around the run - you don't mess with Texas.
That being said, i don't want to add anymore birds with heavily feathered feet since my run has dirt & gets muddy. I have the same problem with the polish.

 

[RooJi]

@RooJi Oh never mind. @sewandgrow has you hooked up & its not a long drive.

I'm so jealous! I love those little old lady looking vulture birds and their cute noises. Plus they are very tasty to eat, like pheasant.

thanks for the help!!