Can quail have too much space?

[joannas11]

When I first got my quail, I had 6 in a 21 square foot area and I had some problems with fighting - I think because I didn't have enough hidey places and one of them was stressed and frightened. I think having wide open spaces could frighten them but if you had hidey places / bushes etc, the larger space would be great for them. Now I've sorted out some more hides for my quail and they have an outdoor area which has long grass, we have peace and they love exploring around.

My outdoor run has a galvanised mesh floor which I covered in soil and now has grass growing - they love being in the tall grass, hunting for bugs, digging in the soil etc. I've recently had to cover the whole lot in 1/2 inch mesh because a cat got its paw through the holes that were there before and got the back of one of my quails (she's ok).

I really think having the bigger space and letting them do some natural behaviours is a wonderful thing - I love watching them and getting to know their individual little personalities and they're happy too

 

[joannas11]

Here are some pics. The run is this: https://www.omlet.co.uk/shop/guinea...ith_roof_and_underfloor_mesh_-_single_height/ with 1/2 inch mesh over the top. The wire is quite thick and galvanised - I've had it a year now and its holding up well. I'm hoping it will last a good while longer.
As you can see, the run is not very tall and they do occasionally ping themselves upwards but no one has seriously hurt themselves. I think a medium height is more dangerous (if that makes sense)
There were some dandelions in here but they've eaten them all and they nibbled whatever they could reach through the bigger size mesh before I added the narrow stuff so I wouldn't trust them not to eat ragwort - you have my sympathies as its such annoying stuff.
I've also put some pics of the inside with the stick bridge things that I got for hides and some wooden boxes from Ikea. Outside, the long grass works nicely and I have some Christmas tree branches propped up against the side which they love to hide under.
Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Jada22]

This is true for too small a space. The only drawback would be the quail possibly becoming more, "wild" and secretive.

Any plants, of course, should be "bird" safe. I like your ideas; especially the mesh one. Make sure the mesh is strong and durable; long-lasting.

I did think it was weird they’d fight if the space was too big. The post stated they were the opposite to chickens and needed a small space. I wouldn’t mind too much if they went a bit wild, they currently run to me when they hear me at the food bowl which is nice but not important- I’d prefer to give them more space.

 

[Jada22]

Thanks- I’ll go ahead with planning their big space
Is it hard to introduce new quail?
If it can be done should I stick with coturnix or can they mix with another type?

 

[Jada22]

I don't know about mixing quail species, but I never had issues with introducing more quail to an existing flock. If the birds to be added were adults, I'd only add more hens, not cocks and I'd try to keep the numbers added about equal to the existing flock they were to be added to, this gives them a 'strength in numbers' equalizer. If the birds to be added were juveniles (about 3 weeks of age, when they're fully feathered out) then I would add both males and females (this would be done when I needed birds to process for the freezer or replacement breeding stock). It will be important to have several hidey-holes, bushes, and other out-of-sight out-of-mind locations in their enclosure, and if adding juveniles, having a space that only the little ones can get to that has their food and water therein will be a big plus. Having the juvenile area wired with electric and a heating plate would be icing on the cake, and peace of mind that they'll be warm at night.
If you are to lay wire mesh on the floor of the enclosure, you might consider covering that with well established sod to avoid broken toes as quail will dig and they have super long toenails. Also plan to install a good sized (large enough for at least three birds to be in simultaneously) sand bath. The bath will help them rid themselves of spent feathers and external parasites.
And, ensure that your aviary has wind breaks & deep shady spots. Quail can deal with heat, manage cold and don't seem to mind a bit of rain... they do NOT do well in full-on sun or windy conditions. Just mentioning it so that you can chew on design elements before you start building.
Gratz on more space for more birds, you can never have too many Coturnix Quail!

Thank you! I’d probably go with adding juveniles once I’ve figured out enough hiding places for them. The injured toes isn’t even something I thought of but I could maybe dig up some of the soil first and put extra back over the mesh. Lots to think about!

 

[Jada22]

When I first got my quail, I had 6 in a 21 square foot area and I had some problems with fighting - I think because I didn't have enough hidey places and one of them was stressed and frightened. I think having wide open spaces could frighten them but if you had hidey places / bushes etc, the larger space would be great for them. Now I've sorted out some more hides for my quail and they have an outdoor area which has long grass, we have peace and they love exploring around.

My outdoor run has a galvanised mesh floor which I covered in soil and now has grass growing - they love being in the tall grass, hunting for bugs, digging in the soil etc. I've recently had to cover the whole lot in 1/2 inch mesh because a cat got its paw through the holes that were there before and got the back of one of my quails (she's ok).

I really think having the bigger space and letting them do some natural behaviours is a wonderful thing - I love watching them and getting to know their individual little personalities and they're happy too

Thanks for that,
Do you have any pictures?
This is still under construction… unfortunately the area I had all the mesh and compost down in got invaded with ragworth so been doing my best to get rid of that. And figuring out the top as the panels are a bit short and I’m worried unless I raise the roof I’ll end up with someone getting injured. Also working on bird boxes type hiding places. Looking for more inspiration on hidey places. Oh and I’ve lots of cuttings growing for hedging and outdoor hiding places. So lots of little bits started to work towards it. Looking for more ideas though