Coturnix Temp Tolerance By Age?

[minus10gmt]

Hi - my 17 little ones are now 5/6 days old. They're now in a small bin-style brooder with a 75W red lamp that is keeping them very comfortable. I live in a temperate area where, at the moment, it's getting down to mid 60s at night and mid 80s during the day (fahrenheit of course). I have built a small hutch for them, very protected from predators. It has a plywood enclosed area with bedding, and a larger area with mesh floor and on two sides, that is open air.

I've been trying to get real info on when exactly it's safe for me to put them out in their hutch. Some people say one week, others say 4 weeks, still others say 6 weeks. What am I to believe? I try to err on the side of caution but this is a wide range of differences. Would really like some experienced voices to help me make this decision wisely. Thanks!

 

[Nabiki]

It can vary from quail to quail. I would say 4-6 weeks if it's only getting down to mid 60s at night.

Watch the birds. If they're huddled together, they're cold. If they're stretched out and panting, they're hot.

 

[007Sean]

I play it on the safe side...I don't move them outside until they are fully feathered...usually 6 weeks but that also depends on the species your raising, some species take longer to fully feather out.

 

[minus10gmt]

I play it on the safe side...I don't move them outside until they are fully feathered...usually 6 weeks but that also depends on the species your raising, some species take longer to fully feather out.

Thanks - these are coturnix. Now I’m hearing 3-4 weeks is best.