HELP with avairy please

[calcifer]

Hi I am converting my chicken coop(sanitized) into a coturnix quail aviary/cage, It is about 6'x8'x5-6' and I have a few questions.
.
1. I am wandering what I should uses to cover the floor? The whole coop is covered so rain is not really A problem, right now it has a dirt floor and I am curious to know if that would work or should I try small rocks or sand or both?

2. My coop has four wooden walls, one wall has two large 1.5' x 6' screen windows but I thought that they might need a cooler place to get more fresh air in the summer so I was thinking that if I use hardware cloth I could make an attached screened in area maybe 2 or 3' x 6'x1' but I am worried that they might get scared if a dog or cat comes to close to the fence.

3. Should the screened area be covered with a roof or left uncovered?

4. Because the coop was originally intended for free range chickenn its not particularly bright inside(not dark but not bright ether) should I replace part or all of the metal roofing with clear plastic roofing?

5. what kind of interior design do coturnix like? I know that they stay on ground but do they like toys or nesting boxes or branches? what makes a happy quail?

6. Finally If im going to try to hatch 10 females should I buy this incubator for $25 http://www.ebay.com/itm/130633786012?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT or A Little Giant Incubator with a fan for $53

thanks for the help

 

[GeneP]

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6. Finally If im going to try to hatch 10 females should I buy this incubator for $25 http://www.ebay.com/itm/130633786012?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT or A Little Giant Incubator with a fan for $53

thanks for the help

If you want to hatch 10 females, you will need to start with at least 2 to 3 dozen eggs. The Sunny Side Up Incubator can hold up to 16 eggs.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi I am converting my chicken coop(sanitized) into a coturnix quail aviary/cage, It is about 6'x8'x5-6' and I have a few questions.
.
1. I am wandering what I should uses to cover the floor? The whole coop is covered so rain is not really A problem, right now it has a dirt floor and I am curious to know if that would work or should I try small rocks or sand or both? You can use sand, pine shavings or grass hay as a floor litter.

2. My coop has four wooden walls, one wall has two large 1.5' x 6' screen windows but I thought that they might need a cooler place to get more fresh air in the summer so I was thinking that if I use hardware cloth I could make an attached screened in area maybe 2 or 3' x 6'x1' but I am worried that they might get scared if a dog or cat comes to close to the fence. They will enjoy lots of light and fresh air. Keep all critters away from the windows to prevent birds from flushing up into your ceiling.

3. Should the screened area be covered with a roof or left uncovered? Never leave any windows or roofs uncovered. You can install an awning if this is what you are talking about.

4. Because the coop was originally intended for free range chickenn its not particularly bright inside(not dark but not bright ether) should I replace part or all of the metal roofing with clear plastic roofing? I wouldn't use any metal or clear roofing...you will roast them out. I used metal roofing in the past and regretted it every time. Metal get incredibly hot in the sun and radiates BIG time heat on the birds.

5. what kind of interior design do coturnix like? I know that they stay on ground but do they like toys or nesting boxes or branches? what makes a happy quail? They would love some brush piles. You can use real branches or fake christmas trees. (I use the fake stuff). They love to perch up on branches, tall logs and such. No nest boxes needed. They will make nests out of your litter in a corner somewhere.

6. Finally If im going to try to hatch 10 females should I buy this incubator for $25 http://www.ebay.com/itm/130633786012?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT or A Little Giant Incubator with a fan for $53

thanks for the help

 

[jhall6293]

...6. Finally If im going to try to hatch 10 females should I buy this incubator for $25 http://www.ebay.com/itm/130633786012?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT or A Little Giant Incubator with a fan for $53

I have heard many "not-so-great" things about the Sunny Side Up incubator. I'd spend a little extra and get a Little Giant or a Hova-Bator - both of these incubators are about the same.
The Little Giant with a fan is a good idea.
All incubators have their positives and negatives, but I would start off giving my eggs their best chance.
USUALLY, the more expensive the incubator, the better and more reliable (but not always). Also, the more expensive incubators are typically sturdier and will give you years of use compared with cheaper units.
Two of the best incubator brands I have found are Brinsea and Janoel, but most of their models are costly.