Do quail run off?

[ManOverBoard]

Hi everyone,
We're getting ready to build our outside quail enclosure, and I'm wondering if quail try to fly off and never return. We'd love to make them a short a frame tractor style enclosure, but if they tend to want to escape, something large enough to walk in to might minimize the potential escapees. Also, if they don't lay there eggs in a nesting box, how does everyone reach them all in a coop to small to get into?

 

[nuthatched]

Most quail (as I understand) are riding the fence on being domesticated. They have enough instincts to spook and run off, likely not go far but far enough to get lost and then get taken out by predators since their survival instincts are mostly toast

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Yes. They will bolt (typically through flying) very easily. They may wander back if they survive long enough, but it's not guaranteed at all

 

[007Sean]

A fully enclosed 'walk-in' enclosure is he best way to keep quail from 'bolting' when opening the enclosure door. An escapee may or may not return. There are many ways to raise quail, find out which method works best for you!

Hardware cloth of 1/2" diameter or 1" x 1/2" welded wire works best for totally enclosing a habitat for quail.

Good Luck in your endeavors with quail.

 

[ManOverBoard]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Nabiki]

Oh, yeah. If they get out, they are unlikely to return, usually because they get eaten and they don't have good survival instincts.

 

[ManOverBoard]

Has anyone ever used upside down plastic totes as little hide aways?

 

[Nabiki]

Has anyone ever used upside down plastic totes as little hide aways?

I use cardboard boxes or dollar store baskets. They love the dollar store baskets because they feel sheltered but can still see out of them.

Plastic totes would work too, but they might be a bit big.

 

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

They will shoot out of sight quick if given the chance…. Unless it’s a stationary aviary I wouldn’t do a quail tractor type build. They love to play the dirt and I wouldn't put it past them to somehow dig themselves out.