Clutch of eggs

[Lurcher1959]

Question regarding Quail.

I have 7 hens and 1 cock in an outside aviary. All 7 hens have laid their eggs in the same place. Prior to today they have been all over the aviary floor. Should I read anything into this. I am new to keeping quail. They are all 8 weeks old.

 

[el dorado quail]

Are any sitting on the eggs?

 

[Lurcher1959]

Occasionally, but not last night or this morning. When we have seen one sitting on them they were moving the eggs around, pulling them under their body, but not for very long. Should we remove them and see if they do it with an other batch?

 

[blackoaktammy]

What kind of quail? Buttons are notorious for being bad sitters, although some people have luck. I've watched my buttons moving eggs around and arranging them like you described, but it's usually just after they have laid. The other 23 3/4 hours of the day, they could care less about the eggs

 

[Lurcher1959]

They are Common Coturnix Quail. We removed yesterdays eggs this morning and they laid an other clutch of 7 this afternoon. And we've had a quail sitting on them for most of the day now. Perhaps yesterday was just a rehearsal?!

But why would the other six cooperate and lay all their eggs in the same place?

 

[el dorado quail]

That's so strange and awesome!

 

[lomine]

I think having them in aviaries brings out more natural behavior. I think the communal nest is about desire to pass on their genes. "Someone else laid an egg here and it wasn't taken so it must be a safe spot. I'll lay mine here too."

I've also had two brood nests. One abandoned the nest right before hatch but the eggs did hatch in the incubator. Another I didn't realize was siting (big space, lots of hidey holes). Two managed to hatch but they unfortunately died. Probably killed by the pheasant that shares the space or they died from the cold and he just got curious and picked at them. Anyway, my point with that is that if one does sit, keep a very close eye on things and be ready to step in.

 

[Lurcher1959]

The rest are still attempting to lay more eggs in the pile, up to 15 now. She gets a bit stroppy with the other hens when she gets water and food. Would trying to separate her from the rest be an idea, either moving the flock out or her?

 

[lomine]

Moving broodies is tricky. Sometimes it's okay but from my experience most times it doesn't go well. I would not suggest moving one who's just started. I think it would be ideal if you can block her off from the others.