Chinese Painted Quail natural hatch!

[Lemming]

Hi guys!

So this happened today!

Both my girls have been sitting on the eggs although one is more dedicated that the other.

I’ve ordered a brooder just in case.

Can Dad stay with them? I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that he can, but I wasn’t really expecting them to manage, AND I’d miscounted so wasn’t expecting them TODAY!

 

[DK newbie]

Pay attention to what dad does. Most of my roos are good fathers, but I have one that pecks the chicks if they get too close. The good fathers usually sit beside the mother on the nest when the chicks have hatched, so dad being on the nest is my first clue that there are chicks. I don't see dad on your pictures, so that could indicate you need to pay close attention.
Even if dad doesn't hurt the chicks, his presence can be a problem if he won't let them sit under him. The chicks will go for any dark object when they are cold, if the closest quail keeps running away they can get so exhausted and cold they won't be able to go to mom.
Dark, non-animal objects can be a problem as well. I'd remove the branch cave till the chicks are at least a week old. I've had experiences with chicks that went to such objects when cold, rather than to mom, and they can end up so cold before they realize their mistake that they can't go to mom.

Make sure to give them a very shallow water dish with marbles in it and finely ground feed in a shallow dish as well.

Good luck with your babies!

 

[Lemming]

Hi,

Thanks for your quick response. Dad has sat with the girls at times all along & a bit this morning. There’s actually two females but one is sitting tighter than the other who wanders off a lot more.

Their nest is on the branches, I’m worried about stressing Mum out too much. Is it better to risk it? This wasn’t at all planned & as soon as they started sitting I didn’t want to disturb them!

I’ve had to go to work now so fingers crossed they’ll be ok for now. It’s going to be a long day!

**edit** Ok, hubby is on chick watch till I get home and assess what needs doing!

 

[DK newbie]

Just ask hubby to remove the branches once the entire family leaves the nest then, that should be fine

 

[Lemming]

Great news! Dad appears to be well & truly on board!

There are SEVEN chicks!

 

[DK newbie]

He does look like he gets the point of parenthood

 

[Lemming]

There are seven chicks!

I couldn’t find my marbles so I figured corn wouldn’t hurt till I get some!

 

[hebe5]

Lemming, I don't have any experience but just wanted to say congratulations!!

 

[RosieR]

They are soooo cute! I’m just getting into Coturnix but you make me want to get a couple buttons for in the house
Hubby would kill me lol

 

[Lemming]

Day 5 and everyone is doing great!

Both Mums are sharing under wing duty & Dad’s stopped stepping on people!