Confused as to when quail can go out

[chipens]

Hi, I've read through some posts etc looked online. And i have become very confused as to when quail can go outside. Some say 2 weeks some say not till 6 weeks!?
I have 19 quail 4 weeks old are inside and fast out growing the brooder boxes
So when is it ok to move outside?
I could put a heat source in thier outside cage?

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, usually by 6 weeks. Don't know what your weather is like in New Zealand, so can't say for sure....calling @JaeG a fellow NZ lander. She can give you a better idea than me, I'm in South Texas.

 

[chipens]

Weather's getting cooler heading to winter, last few days been around 15°c but can get warm. Im more worried about overnight can drop below to 5°c or lower. The hutch is under cover and reasonably sheltered. Would they be ok with a heat lamp? Do I start switching the lights off in the brooder during the day?

 

[007Sean]

You could put a heat lamp in with them but it's better to just wait till they are fully feathered. They will be able to regulate their own body heat by that time. They will be better acclimated the "au natural" way.
If you use a heat lamp make sure it is secured very well and a wire cage around the bulb incase it does get knocked down, or the birds try to fly up and hit it. Hardware cloth works well for this purpose.

 

[JaeG]

As long as they are fully feathered they'll be fine outside. Just make sure they are sheltered from the prevailing wind. Mine love having straw to bed down in.

 

[chipens]

As long as they are fully feathered they'll be fine outside. Just make sure they are sheltered from the prevailing wind. Mine love having straw to bed down in.

Thanks! I was going to move them out this weekend but the weather's been yuck last few days, so i decided to wait for a nice day. I've started turning their lights off during the day to 'aclimitise' them haha.

 

[JaeG]

Thanks! I was going to move them out this weekend but the weather's been yuck last few days, so i decided to wait for a nice day. I've started turning their lights off during the day to 'aclimitise' them haha.

That is a good way to do it. We have been having horrible weather haven't we?!

 

[chipens]

So i decided to put them out this arvo. I was half way though cleaning and one started crowing so i thought thats adult enough haha. Plus they looked bit cramped. So I've set it up so they have a light. They're under cover and sheltered and the weather is clearing up abit.
They seem happy all snuggled in their house

Thanks for the advice
Next ill be waiting for eggs!

 

[007Sean]

So i decided to put them out this arvo. I was half way though cleaning and one started crowing so i thought thats adult enough haha. Plus they looked bit cramped. So I've set it up so they have a light. They're under cover and sheltered and the weather is clearing up abit.
They seem happy all snuggled in their house
View attachment 1341353
Thanks for the advice
Next ill be waiting for eggs!

Congratulations! Hope they bring many joyful moments for you.