how old should a quail chick be for a dust bath?

[Quail Queen]

I really need some help with this one!!

I got some sand (from the beach) for my quail chick, and I don't know if she is old enough to have a bath in it? Is there a right time to introduce quails to sand? She is between 2-3 weeks old and has most of her feathers (I think).

Thanks! <3

 

[DK newbie]

She's old enough, but I don't think beach sand is a good option. I imagine the salt content is quite high, it could dry out her skin in addition to being unhealthy for her to eat (and they do eat sand). I'm not sure how serious it is, but I wouldn't risk it. I'd rather use plain dirt.

 

[Susannah4040]

Agree with DK newbie...we give ours river sand and they love it - hope that is Ok for them ?

 

[Quail Queen]

She's old enough, but I don't think beach sand is a good option. I imagine the salt content is quite high, it could dry out her skin in addition to being unhealthy for her to eat (and they do eat sand). I'm not sure how serious it is, but I wouldn't risk it. I'd rather use plain dirt.

Ok, thank you! sadly she passed away yesterday :C

 

[DK newbie]

How sad! You only had one? Any clue why it died? How long have you had it?

 

[Susannah4040]

Sorry, that she passed...