Common vs Japanese

[Thunderwood]

Can someone tell me if this is a Japanese or common quail? It's been hanging out in my tiny area of grass for the last week. Not scared of me or anything.

 

[rlchatham]

Looks like a Common or European Coturnix Quail.

 

[Thunderwood]

I'm not sure what to do with it. Like I mentioned, it's been hanging out in a tiny back strip behind our condo. We live in a heavily housed area and not near any area it should be.
I first noticed it when fixing my air conditioner last week, and it ran just a few feet away and didn't stray far. It was acting like there was an egg around it was trying to protect. I've looked all around the area and haven't found anything.
It hasn't tried to fly at all and comes right up to my feet as long as I'm not moving. It doesn't look hurt from what I can tell. I've started to feed it and it gobbles up what I give it.
I call The national aviary and spoke to Bob there he said it was probably someone's pet and it was best if I take it to the nature center or kept it in a cage, but this is when I thought it was a Japanese quail.

Looks like a Common or European Coturnix Quail.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Do you live somewhere they're native?
That doesn't sound like a wild bird, that sounds like a loose pet.

 

[Thunderwood]

Do you live somewhere they're native?
That doesn't sound like a wild bird, that sounds like a loose pet.

I live in southern Louisiana. We have bobwhite quail, but I don't think common is native. Right now I've got it in a wire dog crate with some feed and water till o figure out what to do with it.
What all can I do to make it feel safe and comfortable?

 

[Fishkeeper]

Mostly it needs hiding places, and padding on the ceiling in case it spooks and flies up. Also, I'd be inclined to bring it inside, or at least into somewhere enclosed. It can't flee predators if it's in a cage, but they might be able to get it in.

Are you thinking of keeping it? If not, a feed store in the area might know someone who'd want one. They need to be kept in groups, since they're social.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I was going to suggest asking at a feed store, too. It does sound like a loose pet.

 

[maadroj]

Maybe also call the vet? Where else might someone look if they lost their quail?

 

[Thunderwood]

Mostly it needs hiding places, and padding on the ceiling in case it spooks and flies up. Also, I'd be inclined to bring it inside, or at least into somewhere enclosed. It can't flee predators if it's in a cage, but they might be able to get it in.

Are you thinking of keeping it? If not, a feed store in the area might know someone who'd want one. They need to be kept in groups, since they're social.

Would a small cardboard box with a hole in the side work for tonight? Or should I throw a towel over the cage? Bring it in isn't an option

 

[Thunderwood]

Mostly it needs hiding places, and padding on the ceiling in case it spooks and flies up. Also, I'd be inclined to bring it inside, or at least into somewhere enclosed. It can't flee predators if it's in a cage, but they might be able to get it in.

Are you thinking of keeping it? If not, a feed store in the area might know someone who'd want one. They need to be kept in groups, since they're social.

Oh also I'm only going to keep it if our local nature center doesn't want it. I'll look into the feed store for ideas.
What if I can't find someone who has another one, how bad would it be to keep it as a single?