It is never advised to mix different species of quail. They each have their own breeding habits and this can end up in fighting. Gambels mate for life with one bird, where as Coturnix live in colonies. Gambels take a year to reach maturity where as Coturnix are mature at 9 weeks of age.
Gambels need 4 square feet per bird. They are flighty and flush very easily. They do far better in an aviary style environment unlike Coturnix that are used to living in pens and cages.
You can't handle Gambels. They stress very easily and can injure themselves and even go into shock when you do handle them.
I sure do love their calls however! Such pretty birds as well.
Good luck!
