How does this sound?

[Game Bird Guy]

I am going to getting Valleys, Scaled, Mexican Speckled and Northern Bobwhite this year. I have pens designed for them that are 3.5 ft by 2 ft and 2 ft tall. Does this look like a good size for them? They will all be in pairs. Any suggestions for furnishings? Thanks in advance. Kramer

 

[aprophet]

have you ever had any birds until now?

 

[Game Bird Guy]

have you ever had any birds until now?

I'm sorry it seems this way. I have raised over 2,000 Coturnix in the past year in 7 colors. I have had Silver pheasants and buttons. I currently raise Chukars, 20 breeds of chickens,about 100 overall,10 geese in total, 20 ducks, guinea fowl, IB peafowl and I have cockatiels. I have several hundred tropical fish, some of them are among the 20 or 30 or so of their type in North America. I am offended. I have made many mistakes on my way to where I am now, but I have learned from them. I just wanted to make sure I was doing everything right this time round. I am good at what I do because I ask so many questions along the way.

So, in answer to your question, I have had birds before. I just don't like doing things wrong. I have no one in my local area to help me answer my questions so I come here to ask them. This is the best place that I know of to learn about birds, and I owe a large portion of what I know to everyone on this website.

 

[bfrancis]

You have came to a great place to ask questions, I don't think Aprophet was being disrespectful to you, the reason I believe that he was asking you that question was because of the list of birds you listed are awesome, but definitely not for a beginner. He didn't know that you raised so many birds in the past and was probably going to help you out but needed to know where to start from your experience level.

It's been my experience that Aprophet is a stand-up BYCer and only wanted to help.

The dimensions you listed are fine for pairs of the quail that you listed before. 2 sq ft per bird is a rule of thumb...not the only school of thought, but a school,,and you have exceeded that. Know they are more flighty than your cots were...they have a big head boink factor, so watch for sharp edges on the ceiling. For cover in my pens I use flower pots on the side, hollowed logs split in half and cut to 16 long and branches about1.5 inch in diameter. This will give them hidy places and cover as well as objects to break up the boredom in a cage.

Congrats again in getting some awesome birds!

Good luck and post some pics!

 

[Game Bird Guy]

You have came to a great place to ask questions, I don't think Aprophet was being disrespectful to you, the reason I believe that he was asking you that question was because of the list of birds you listed are awesome, but definitely not for a beginner. He didn't know that you raised so many birds in the past and was probably going to help you out but needed to know where to start from your experience level.

It's been my experience that Aprophet is a stand-up BYCer and only wanted to help.

The dimensions you listed are fine for pairs of the quail that you listed before. 2 sq ft per bird is a rule of thumb...not the only school of thought, but a school,,and you have exceeded that. Know they are more flighty than your cots were...they have a big head boink factor, so watch for sharp edges on the ceiling. For cover in my pens I use flower pots on the side, hollowed logs split in half and cut to 16 long and branches about1.5 inch in diameter. This will give them hidy places and cover as well as objects to break up the boredom in a cage.

Congrats again in getting some awesome birds!

Good luck and post some pics!

Thanks bfrancis. I appreciate the advice. I will adjust my pens accordingly. I was going to have padding on the roofs of their pens so that it wouldn't be so solid if they jumped up and hit their heads. I think I will add some small nest boxes that I have around for cover, if that sounds reasonable? I have also seen pictures of peoples pens with pine or fur branches leaned against the walls. How well does that work for cover? I have some maple and oak branches in various diameters for them as well.

I will post pics as soon as I get the birds and their pens setup. Right now I'm busy with some Cots hatching. Thanks again.

Kramer

 

[bfrancis]

I think what you have said for an interior set up sounds awesome.

Pine branches would work great, but you might stay away from fir and most definitely cedar. Any cedar or related tree is an absolute poison to quail, as it will attack their lungs and they will die of respiratory distress. The others maple and oak will work well....I use oak branches in my pens myself and even use dried oak leaves for bedding in the winter months.(My pens are all on the ground)

Well wishes to your cot hatch.

Take care

 

[Game Bird Guy]

Thanks. I can never remember which evergreens are good for birds, and which are not. I did not know about it causing respriratory problems though. I forgot to add that I can also use some arbutus. I have had it with finches and my cots before, so I assume it would be okay for the others as well.

The cot hatch is going well so far, 80% hatch. I have some tibetan tuxes, tibetan, white, golden in 3 colors, pharoah and a white chick with one thick red stripe on it. Very cool looking chick.

I think what you have said for an interior set up sounds awesome.

Pine branches would work great, but you might stay away from fir and most definitely cedar. Any cedar or related tree is an absolute poison to quail, as it will attack their lungs and they will die of respiratory distress. The others maple and oak will work well....I use oak branches in my pens myself and even use dried oak leaves for bedding in the winter months.(My pens are all on the ground)

Well wishes to your cot hatch.

Take care