Food and Water in Brooder

[HunterH]

Hey guys I have my brooder built and quail hatching Monday and Tuesday, but not sure what to do about their food and water in the brooder? I've seen some using plastic lids off various things like mayo jars and cool whip and was wondering what works well? I don't mind changing the water in little lids for a few days until they start on the horizontal nipples. I've also seen some scatter the food on the paper towels as well as in the lid to get them pecking it up. I don't want to buy water founts since I have the nipples...plan to get them started on them at 1-2 weeks. Appreciate any help as always.

PS I have some 24% chick starter, it was the highest protein that Tractor Supply had; do I need to find some 30% or can they wait a few days? My local feed and seed store is getting some Purina Startena in this coming week.

 

[TwoCrows]

Have you tried quail chick waterers? Similar to the standard quart waterer, but the base is really small. You have to check poultry supply places that carry Quail things. Murray McMurry carries quail waterers. Strombergs carries aluminum pop bottle water fonts, perfect for baby quail.

 

[TwoCrows]

24% protein will work but if you can get some 26% or higher is better. If you use 30% for chicks, it is best to back down on the protein to 26% or 28% when they get to laying age. Young layers will be healthier of you back off on the protein.

 

[HunterH]

My Tractor Supply has some fairly small founts, I may grab a couple. When are they big enough for me to feed them some alfalfa sprouts and sand?

 

[TwoCrows]

Wait on the goodies until they are at least a week old so they don't choke on things. Quail babies are just not all that smart. LOL

Don't leave too much sand around until they are month old because they will eat this stuff like it is food. But you can sprinkle it on a small tray or on the food itself. It sticks good to wet foods like sprouts.

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh and if you can't find actual quail chick waterers with small fonts, you can put marbles or small pea gravel in the base to keep the birds from falling in....

 

[HunterH]

Thanks, you're the best!

 

[BobDBirdDog]

Just to note, with my Bob Whites, as Day old chicks (DOC's) I have started them on Nipple waters without any drownings or should I say "To my knowledge". That is not to say there is 0% chance of drowning at some point, but such is always a risk no matter the systems I have used.

You have to adjust the height of the nipple as they grow but as DOC's they tend to splash as much as they drink. Place a baking pan with a short rim/edge/side and a sponge beneath the nipple to catch and absorb the wasted water.