Egg production and when to move outdoors?

[Kyguylal]

Hi all, we're considering some coturnix quail for our backyard. We are only looking for a few eggs and the birds would essentially be pets.

We were thinking 6 females only. Unfortunately, I can't find any for sale here in New Hampshire, so I'd probably have to buy sexed birds online. Anyone have suggestions on where to order from?

Assuming I got 4 week old birds, can I get them outside into the coop right away?

I'm also wondering about egg production. If I "give them the winters off", by not using artificial lighting, could I squeeze a longer egg production lifespan?

Thank you all!

 

[Nabiki]

I've had a lot of success with my egg orders from @Myshire Farm Quail You can also order live birds from them. https://myshirefarm.com/

Four weeks old is not completely feathered, so it depends on the temperatures. I wouldn't put them out without some heat source if it's getting under 45-48 degrees farenheit until they're at least six weeks old. Once they're fully feathered, they're quite hardy as long as they're dry and have shelters to hide in.

 

[JaeG]

Yes, they will lay for longer if given a seasonal break. I always let my girls have a break over winter. Birds are born with a set amount of oocytes (potential eggs), and once they're gone, that's it.

 

[Kyguylal]

Thank you,

Will a small group of 6 do okay in a chicken coop with a run? I'm reading that they might not use the coop. I figured I need something they can go inside of and where i can hang a heat lamp in the winter.

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you,

Will a small group of 6 do okay in a chicken coop with a run? I'm reading that they might not use the coop. I figured I need something they can go inside of and where i can hang a heat lamp in the winter.

You're right that they probably won't use the coop. If there's space under the coop they'll probably use that, though.

Coturnix quail are pretty hardy when it comes to cold. They can handle below freezing temperatures as long as they're dry and have shelters to snuggle into.

 

[Kyguylal]

You're right that they probably won't use the coop. If there's space under the coop they'll probably use that, though.

Coturnix quail are pretty hardy when it comes to cold. They can handle below freezing temperatures as long as they're dry and have shelters to snuggle into.

Thank you. I might need to run power to the hutch due to out winter temperatures. I'm sure I can insulate pretty well, but we have a handful of nights down around negative ten each year.

How do you all open and clean the hutches without the birds all flying away?

Also, can I use a wire bottom in the winter and just stuff hay in there so they wont freeze thier feet?

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you. I might need to run power to the hutch due to out winter temperatures. I'm sure I can insulate pretty well, but we have a handful of nights down around negative ten each year.

How do you all open and clean the hutches without the birds all flying away?

Also, can I use a wire bottom in the winter and just stuff hay in there so they wont freeze thier feet?

When I'm cleaning I transfer them into a tub temporarily and put them back when I'm done.

You can use a wire bottom but they should always have a place to rest their feet from the wire, not just during the winter.

A box full of straw/hay during the winter would be good insulation for their feet. During the summer a box full of dirt will keep them happy with dirt baths and a place to rest their feet from the wire.