free ranging bobwhite quail

[Ifish]

I "Free Range" Bobs all of the time. I use what we call a Johnny House or Recall Pen. Its a 4x4 building that looks like an old outhouse. There is a Recall Funnel in the bottom of the building that the birds will walk through to get back into the pen at dusk. but can't get back out. I use the birds for dog training purposes, but it would work the same for anyone. The key is to let out most of the birds, but leave a few in the pen to Recall the birds out in the field.

It does help to cut feed costs as well as make the birds stronger fliers. We lose a few birds to predation, but they have good escape cover and forage cover. Once flying strong we lose less birds. I would not do something like this in a manicured lawn in a development, or if you only have a few birds.

 

[JekkaLynn]

I "Free Range" Bobs all of the time.  I use what we call a Johnny House or Recall Pen. Its a 4x4 building that looks like an old outhouse.  There is a Recall Funnel in the bottom of the building that the birds will walk through to get back into the pen at dusk. but can't get back out.  I use the birds for dog training purposes, but it would work the same for anyone.  The key is to let out most of the birds, but leave a few in the pen to Recall the birds out in the field.

It does help to cut feed costs as well as make the birds stronger fliers.  We lose a few birds to predation, but they have good escape cover and forage cover. Once flying strong we lose less birds.   I would not do something like this in a manicured lawn in a development, or if you only have a few birds.

Can you post pictures of the recall funnel?

 

[dc3085]

Its a really common device. Look at the cage section on this website and youll see one.

Gqfmfg.com

 

[Ifish]

http://www.lcsupply.com/Better-Quail-Recall-Funnel/productinfo/BQRF/



There are also spring loaded versions that are better for keeping predators out, but the basic funnel works well for keeping out predators. Most people will have a door that they will close over the funnel at night, and open it in the morning.

 

[JekkaLynn]

How does it keep them from getting back out?

 

[Ifish]

When the funnel is mounted to the recall pen, the skinny end goes inside. It's just big enough for them to squeeze through. On the outside of the pen they have a ramp to walk up to enter the funnel. On the inside the skinny end is a few inches off of the floor. It is very hard for them to fly up and land in the funnel. I'd say it's impossible, but it may have happened. Just not to me or anyone else I know using them.