Clipping quail chick wings?

[maadroj]

Also, it's hard to see in the photos but there are some gaps between the totes for airflow, in addition to the holes we'll poke in the fabric. Though maybe we'll grill extra holes in the sides of the middle tote for additional airflow.

 

[Fishkeeper]

That looks like a good setup!
As for outdoor playtime- never take quail outdoors in anything they aren't completely contained in. A small, flat-sided birdcage laid on its side, so the grass pokes through the bars, could be a good outdoor playpen.

 

[maadroj]

That looks like a good setup!
As for outdoor playtime- never take quail outdoors in anything they aren't completely contained in. A small, flat-sided birdcage laid on its side, so the grass pokes through the bars, could be a good outdoor playpen.

Thank you! That's a much better idea.

 

[Fishkeeper]

You're quite welcome. I know some people use dog crates for chicken chicks, but I think quail might pop out between the bars. Introducing chicks (of any species) to the outdoors, either through bringing weeds and dirt in or taking them outside, is a big help in building their natural immunities. Definitely a good idea if you can do it safely. Just be sure someone is there to keep an eye on them, in case a cat or something turns up to bother them.

 

[Willowspirit]

You're quite welcome. I know some people use dog crates for chicken chicks, but I think quail might pop out between the bars. Introducing chicks (of any species) to the outdoors, either through bringing weeds and dirt in or taking them outside, is a big help in building their natural immunities. Definitely a good idea if you can do it safely. Just be sure someone is there to keep an eye on them, in case a cat or something turns up to bother them.

I have an old style dog crate with square wire mesh. I'm hoping that will work when the quail get bigger. Tonight we're moving them into a woven wire mesh (on top), cloth bottomed guinea pig cage. The top is mesh, too. We've been using it on their box brooder.

 

[maadroj]

You're quite welcome. I know some people use dog crates for chicken chicks, but I think quail might pop out between the bars. Introducing chicks (of any species) to the outdoors, either through bringing weeds and dirt in or taking them outside, is a big help in building their natural immunities. Definitely a good idea if you can do it safely. Just be sure someone is there to keep an eye on them, in case a cat or something turns up to bother them.

We tried taking a few of them out on a hot, sunny day in a bird cage for a few minutes, but they were too scared to explore. So we placed a small dish of dirt with grass and plant clippings in the brooder, and they had a wild party. I guess the great outdoors will have to wait a little longer.

No flight yet, but their wings are growing fast.

 

[GiggleOinkQuack]

Lol, fortunately they haven't jumped out yet. I think it may look more shallow in the picture than it is. I have seen them hop up about half the height of the tote, which is why I've been worried about their impending ability to fly. We'll work on setting up a new larger brooder, in that case. Thanks for your thoughts!

May I ask where you got your eggs to hatch? I’m in IL and looking for gambel or california and also buttons!

 

[maadroj]

I found someone local on Craigslist. Good luck!