Can Quail be on 1in wire floor?

[Little Byrd]

I'm thinking of getting plastic hardware cloth that has 1in holes for my new quail pen. Would that work for them?

 

[Little Byrd]

These quail are going to be indoors btw

 

[JaeG]

You will need something smaller as a quail's foot isn't very big. I just measured one of our birds feet and it measures 35mm (which according to the conversion online is 1.38 inches). I don't think they'd be overly comfortable with such big gaps. People seem to use half inch wire or quarter inch if you have to worry about predators, but as yours will be indoors that shouldn't be a problem. Just be sure to keep the wire very clean as hard poop can scratch their feet and set up an infection leading to bumblefoot.

 

[Little Byrd]

You will need something smaller as a quail's foot isn't very big.  I just measured one of our birds feet and it measures 35mm (which according to the conversion online is 1.38 inches).  I don't think they'd be overly comfortable with such big gaps.  People seem to use half inch wire or quarter inch if you have to worry about predators, but as yours will be indoors that shouldn't be a problem.  Just be sure to keep the wire very clean as hard poop can scratch their feet and set up an infection leading to bumblefoot. 

Thanks, I decided to get the half inch.

 

[AddictedToQuack]

I've have the best luck with the 1"x1/2" welded wire. The quail have no issues running on it and all of their poop falls through. It is also a thicker gauge wire. I have another pen with a 1/2"x1/2" welded wire floor which works for the birds, butt all of the poop, especially in the winter, does not fall through. This is for coturnix.

1"x1" wire works well for cage sides and tops for indoor birds, but not for a floor. Quail chicks up to 2 weeks old will squeeze through 1"x1" openings. Also note: a raccoon can reach in a 1"x1" hole with it's paw and grab your birds pulling them through. Also, short-tailed weasels will run through that wire spacing as if it was not there. Hard lesson learned on my part. Lost around 15 quail when we went away one weekend. Caught the little bugger using the pile of quail carcasses he left in the enclosed end.