Coturnix Quail questions RE: Space and Food

[Epona142]

Ok, if anyone happens to remember, I asked some questions about feed in another post. I checked TSC today and they have Dumor Chick starter 24% it says for turkeys, quail, pheasants and chukar. Will that work for chicks? Will I need to grind it?

What should I feed adult quail? They had nothing that was just for gamebirds.

Hubby decided that the enclosures I was going to get are too small, so he is building two nice tractors for me. (

)

So I have an idea how many birds I can put in them, how many sq feet does a quail need? I believe I read somewhere 1 square foot per bird. What is a good male to female ratio as well, to ensure best fertility without excess pestering of hens.

Oh, and do they even use nest boxes?

Thanks so much!! I'm eagerly awaiting my first set of quail hatching eggs after Christmas.

 

[what was i thinking]

this is where i look for a lot of my quail answers. good thread she put a lot of time into this. did a wonderful job.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=102281

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Congrats!!! That feed is perfect for them, even as adults. Wish I could find it here. You might need to grind it just a little for at least the first few days. After that they'll be fine.

Can't tell you for sure on the sizes; they don't need alot of space. Mine do not use nesting boxes, not that I have any in there LOL. They more or less lay on the run. See if hubby can slant the tractors just a hair so the eggs roll to the front to make it easier to get them out.

A good ratio is 3-4 hens per male. Do a search for Monarch23's coturnix education thread - that will give you all the info you need and then some. Oh - and start looking now for some good pickled egg recipes. You'll need 'em!!!!

 

[Epona142]

Yes, that thread has been SUPER helpful! Just wanted to get a few more opinions on the matter.

Well I'll give them nest boxes just in case, the silly things.

I've never had pickled eggs, but that's definitely been on my mind! I can't wait to try them. I'm so excited, and I already have friends just waiting for some tasty quail and eggs.