Getting started w quail

[calicocows]

So chickens may be out of ability right now due to legal reasons (boo zoning) but quails are allowed!! I’ve even doing massive amounts of coturnix research to buff up my leftover knowledge from a hyper fixation episode last fall. I’m likely gonna get a breeding set of these guys https://www.southwestgamebirds.com/shop/live-birds/jumbo-pearl-fee-adult-quail-copy/ so I have the option to expand my flock later. I’ve found feeders and waterers and am looking into enclosures. They will be outside unless they’ll be ok in a mostly unventilated garage. Feel free to drop hutch suggestions below! I’m very excited

 

[007Sean]

There are many ways to raise quail. Ground pens, above ground pens, used rabbit hutches, or build your own hutch from scratch....no one way, is better than another...just depends on your location, available space and expendable income!

I raise them in both ground and above ground enclosures.
Examples:

 

[calicocows]

There are many ways to raise quail. Ground pens, above ground pens, used rabbit hutches, or build your own hutch from scratch....no one way, is better than another...just depends on your location, available space and expendable income!

I raise them in both ground and above ground enclosures.
Examples:
View attachment 3460765View attachment 3460766View attachment 3460767View attachment 3460770

I really like your green setup, Ill likely try something like that! Thank you!

 

[calicocows]

Follow up question - are wire floors ok for quail? Can you have a wire floor with pine shavings over it? Or what’s recommended?

 

[Nabiki]

A lot of people use wire floors. Make sure they have some place to get off of it to rest their feet, though. The wire can be hard on them.

 

[calicocows]

A lot of people use wire floors. Make sure they have some place to get off of it to rest their feet, though. The wire can be hard on them.

I’ve seen some folks have cardboard boxes with soil as both a different surface and dust bathing. Would this be a good option?

 

[Nabiki]

I’ve seen some folks have cardboard boxes with soil as both a different surface and dust bathing. Would this be a good option?

That is definitely a good option. If I didn't keep mine on the ground that's what I'd do.

 

[Kiki]

I’ve seen some folks have cardboard boxes with soil as both a different surface and dust bathing. Would this be a good option?

Yes.
I use rabbit cages wrapped with half inch hardware cloth.
I pretty much cover the whole floor with boxes filled with peat moss.

 

[calicocows]

Yes.
I use rabbit cages wrapped with half inch hardware cloth.
I pretty much cover the whole floor with boxes filled with peat moss.

Ooh! We get lots of moss that my family hates so I usually get to dig it up (fun sensory experience lol)

 

[Kiki]

Ooh! We get lots of moss that my family hates so I usually get to dig it up (fun sensory experience lol)

Peat moss is what I use. It's fancy dirt.