Egg layer flooring

[Darthegger]

I've usually have raised chickens in the past but, I'm changing it up and getting some Coturnix Quail for breeding, eggs and the ones destined for meat I'll have a outdoor run (when it gets warmer). I know the cages are popular for the breeders and egg layers to get clean eggs and having them roll out is nice for collecting but, are there any other options where they're not on wire but still get clean eggs that roll out?
I know the Hatching Time has the plastic floors that are kind of pricey but, if it's the only option then I'll do it.
Thank you

 

[le_bwah]

How many birds are you aiming for?

If you don't want to go the wire route but can't do a real run for the hens, a rabbit hutch style frame adapted for deep bedding (not deep litter) might be worth looking into. Quail in a "natural state" tend to lay in the same place or couple of places every day, so a cage that has prominent hiding spots and isn't too deep to reach into seems reasonable.

I wanted to note that Coturnix don't typically produce dirty eggs unless their cage is dirty or they're ill. I've raised mine on bark and dirt for almost five years and can count on one hand the number of fouled eggs I've collected.

 

[Darthegger]

How many birds are you aiming for?

If you don't want to go the wire route but can't do a real run for the hens, a rabbit hutch style frame adapted for deep bedding (not deep litter) might be worth looking into. Quail in a "natural state" tend to lay in the same place or couple of places every day, so a cage that has prominent hiding spots and isn't too deep to reach into seems reasonable.

I wanted to note that Coturnix don't typically produce dirty eggs unless their cage is dirty or they're ill. I've raised mine on bark and dirt for almost five years and can count on one hand the number of fouled eggs I've collected.

I’m starting off with 15-30 (depending how many hatch from the lady were getting them from). That’s good to know about the eggs, I’m used to the chickens and having to scrub the eggs.
Ultimately I’d like to raise some for meat and sell to people and restaurants in my area.

 

[AGDependentFarm]

I’m starting off with 15-30 (depending how many hatch from the lady were getting them from). That’s good to know about the eggs, I’m used to the chickens and having to scrub the eggs.
Ultimately I’d like to raise some for meat and sell to people and restaurants in my area.

If your going to raise them for meat to sell, 15-30 is just getting your toe in the water.
At 30 with a 50% hatch rate you will end up with roughly 15 birds a couple wont make it through brooding, 60% roosters on average will leave you with maybe 6 hens and 7 roosters. If you leave 1 rooster to fertilize 6 hens which should give you about an 80% fertilization rate. that leaves enough meat for 1 meal 2 adults and 1 egg sandwich per day once they are laying consistent. I think you need more birds or lots of patience to build your flock.
I made stacked cages for mine with the same intent of eggs and meat to eat and sell.
My bottom tier is a flat wire bottom for grow out. when they do start to lay eggs (about week 6) they get dirty from being kicked around as not all poo falls through immediately. This also cracks some of them. Hence the upper tiers are roll out to keep them from destroying them.

I use deep bedding on my Hens (18 of them in a hoop coop). I feel that would be fine for 15 Quail but once you try to mass produce for selling I feel you'll be changing to wire bottom cages.
I love the Hatching Time Plastic cages but you will need to sell a lot of eggs to recoup the investment.

Good Luck.

 

[Darthegger]

If your going to raise them for meat to sell, 15-30 is just getting your toe in the water.
At 30 with a 50% hatch rate you will end up with roughly 15 birds a couple wont make it through brooding, 60% roosters on average will leave you with maybe 6 hens and 7 roosters. If you leave 1 rooster to fertilize 6 hens which should give you about an 80% fertilization rate. that leaves enough meat for 1 meal 2 adults and 1 egg sandwich per day once they are laying consistent. I think you need more birds or lots of patience to build your flock.
I made stacked cages for mine with the same intent of eggs and meat to eat and sell.
My bottom tier is a flat wire bottom for grow out. when they do start to lay eggs (about week 6) they get dirty from being kicked around as not all poo falls through immediately. This also cracks some of them. Hence the upper tiers are roll out to keep them from destroying them.

I use deep bedding on my Hens (18 of them in a hoop coop). I feel that would be fine for 15 Quail but once you try to mass produce for selling I feel you'll be changing to wire bottom cages.
I love the Hatching Time Plastic cages but you will need to sell a lot of eggs to recoup the investment.

Good Luck.

Are the Hatching Time plastic cages better on the feet?
My wife wanted to start out small and then go from there. So, I figure I'll just do what I can in 2023 and get my bearings and then scale it up for meat in 2024. I've always worked with chickens in the past, so I figure I'll just work out any kinks and learning curves.
Thank you!

 

[AGDependentFarm]

Are the Hatching Time plastic cages better on the feet?
My wife wanted to start out small and then go from there. So, I figure I'll just do what I can in 2023 and get my bearings and then scale it up for meat in 2024. I've always worked with chickens in the past, so I figure I'll just work out any kinks and learning curves.
Thank you!

I have never used them I only have experience with wire bottoms. 1/2" hardware cloth supports the entire foot of a 3 week old chick so I don't know of a benefit of plastic unless its easier to clean.