How to get started?

[ScoutingInTheWoods]

Ok so what would a list of item be that i could start out with to keep coturnix quail. And what would be the best shelter for them to have that would be a bit more natural i have cold winters were i live.

 

[le_bwah]

Ok so what would a list of item be that i could start out with to keep coturnix quail. And what would be the best shelter for them to have that would be a bit more natural i have cold winters were i live.

Hi! What part of Idaho are you from? I'm in Boise, and my small flock did just fine last winter with a roof over their heads, a windbreak on all sides, and deep straw to snuggle in.

To get started with Coturnix, you can hatch the eggs out yourself OR buy chicks/sexed adults. Quail require higher protein feed at all stages of life—aim for 24%-30% protein—and need at the very least 1 square foot of space per bird.

I've since expanded my aviary to include a "garden room," planted mostly with ornamental grasses. If you can raise quail on the ground with natural cover, I highly recommend you do. Whatever shelter you have for them, be sure to cover all gaps with half-inch hardware cloth.

 

[ScoutingInTheWoods]

Hi! What part of Idaho are you from? I'm in Boise, and my small flock did just fine last winter with a roof over their heads, a windbreak on all sides, and deep straw to snuggle in.

View attachment 1848450
View attachment 1848451

To get started with Coturnix, you can hatch the eggs out yourself OR buy chicks/sexed adults. Quail require higher protein feed at all stages of life—aim for 24%-30% protein—and need at the very least 1 square foot of space per bird.

I've since expanded my aviary to include a "garden room," planted mostly with ornamental grasses. If you can raise quail on the ground with natural cover, I highly recommend you do. Whatever shelter you have for them, be sure to cover all gaps with half-inch hardware cloth.

View attachment 1848452
View attachment 1848453

Thanks that is kinda what I wanted to do was raise them on the ground. But I want some breeders that will be in a cage so they won't be able to mix with any thing else. I found something I like for that. And I love in pocetello.

 

[maadroj]

Hello to you both! I used to live in Bellevue, ID, and then Caldwell, ID, before running far away from winter. We didn't have quail, then, only horses, cats, and dogs.

Are you planning to start with eggs, chicks, or adults? I learned to keep some medical supplies on hand in case of emergency, because I had to buy them by mail. You might be able to find them in Pocatello when needed, though?

 

[ScoutingInTheWoods]

Hello to you both! I used to live in Bellevue, ID, and then Caldwell, ID, before running far away from winter. We didn't have quail, then, only horses, cats, and dogs.

Are you planning to start with eggs, chicks, or adults? I learned to keep some medical supplies on hand in case of emergency, because I had to buy them by mail. You might be able to find them in Pocatello when needed, though?

I think probably one of two breeding sets of adults then go from there. What type of medicine should you keep around and what is it for? And would you need a new rooster to get another set going,they need would not with there siblings would they?

 

[maadroj]

Keep in mind, this is also my first time keeping quail, so I'm not speaking from muchexperience. I now have bacitracin (antibiotic) ointment, Theracyn poultry spray (there are similar products from other brands), bird penicillin (https://allbirdproducts.com/products/bird-penicillin), soluble bacitracin (for ulcerative enteritis, https://www.strombergschickens.com/product/Bacitracin-Soluble/Poultry-Antibiotics), and Corid solution.

I bought most of these because one of my chicks was sick, but while the meds were all in the mail, we added a little apple cider vinegar to the water, and she got better within a few days. Still don't know what she had or if the vinegar helped or if it just resolved on its own.

This very helpful article describes quail ailments and medications: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-issues-and-keeping-your-quail-healthy.67379/.