Can cutornix quail and button quail live together? And if so, will they mate with the opposite breed?
In general, no. Sometimes, yes. Sometimes it'll be fine for a while, then the cots suddenly turn on the buttons. I don't think they interbreed, no, but I'm not sure.
I've got a pair of buttons with a trio of coturnix in an aviary, one male and two females. They get along fine but I'll be removing the coturnix if the button female wants to hatch some eggs. I did have three female coturnix in with them but one was going to be a pain so she got removed. I've had no problems since then. Both species just do their own thing. I've made lots of hiding places so everyone feels like they can have their own space. Space and hiding places are the key to harmony with these guys. I wouldn't put them in a small area and expect everyone to get along without stress.
