How Many Female Quails Can Be Kept Together

[zaksa_1303]

Hi,

I have 7 female quail and 1 male, and recently the male has become quite aggressive. As a result, two of the females now have patches of missing feathers on their backs. The male-to-female ratio seems fine, so I'm not sure what the cause of the aggression is.

I'm considering selling the male to resolve the issue, but I'm unsure whether 7 female quail would do well together. I’m concerned that without the male, the females might start bullying each other.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation or have advice on how to proceed? I want to find the best solution for the quail’s well-being.

Thanks for any reply!

 

[Nabiki]

If you're not attached to the male and you don't want fertilized eggs, a group of hens is just fine without a male.

 

[zaksa_1303]

Is it a possibility that one of the females are doing some of the bullying as well?

 

[Nabiki]

That is a possibility, but the bald heads usually come from mating. The male grabs the feathers on the back of her head and some will come out. If he's overbreeding she'll end up bald, and if he continues to overbreed it leads to blood, injury, and death. That's why they say 5:1 is the ideal ratio, but it sounds like your boy has favourites.

Do they have plenty of hiding places? That usually helps.

 

[007Sean]

Even keeping just hens isn't a guaranty that they will all get along together....sometimes hens can be just as aggressive as males.