Hutch vs Tractor/Ark...

[PinkBee]

Because of necessity, I'm going to be setting up my quail outside, either in a hutch within my screened in pool area (not under cover otherwise), or outside in an ark/tractor setup. My personal preference is to set them up outside so they can play in the dirt and eat bugs and such. For me that would be enjoyable to watch which is one of the reasons I'm interested in raising quail as opposed to other birds. However, I'm wondering if one of the ark type deals (Garden Ark looks interesting) would really be worthwhile for quail. Will they ever go up into the enclosed area? Or will they really just hang out on the grass/dirt/whatever and, even at night or if it's raining, disdain the indoors? If they won't go inside, then it should be easier, I think, to prepare/build something and just give them a variety of objects to move in and around.

Thank you for any information/advice on this!

 

[TwoCrows]

Quail are not like chickens in that they go inside to roost and will prefer to sleep outside. However they will use an indoor area for shelter if they feel they need one. My Bobs have a rabbit hutch they use for shelter from the elements from the aviary.

But in order to get them to use it, you will have to lock them in the Ark for at least 2 full days with no access to the grassy area beneath them. That way they get used to being in there and find it a comfort rather than somewhere they are afraid to go. Then upon opening the door, they will not forget that it is a place to hide in when needed.

If there is little light inside the Ark, then you will need to put a few windows as quail don't like to enter dark places and definitely won't hang out in the dark unless it is night time.

 

[PinkBee]

Thank you! It sounds a bit like what I thought might be the case, but I wasn't sure.

Would it make sense, since it almost never gets cold here and does get very hot and steamy, that instead of enclosing the "enclosed" area, I leave it open to the grassy area out and below (basically, just put in a shelf) and, instead of boxing in the outside, maybe put slats over the 1/2' wire (decoratively) or just window screening. Give it the impression of being enclosed, but leave it so that there is good ventilation still. Ventilation, from what I'm gathering, is very important here. Does this sound like this would be a good plan?

 

[TwoCrows]

Are you talking about the coop area itself...not really enclosing it, but using screening instead of walls and a shelf? That would work also. As long as it had a roof and at least one side to stop wind and rain it would work well. If you live in an area of mild climate, anything will work as long as they quail will be completely protected from predators from all sides, including the bottom. If there is any chance of anything digging under, you will need to bury hardware cloth so nothing can get under. I am a fan of railroad ties. They are heavy, and be buried deeply and they never rot. The stuff the ties are soaked in also helps keep the mites down.

 

[PinkBee]

Are you talking about the coop area itself...not really enclosing it, but using screening instead of walls and a shelf? That would work also. As long as it had a roof and at least one side to stop wind and rain it would work well. If you live in an area of mild climate, anything will work as long as they quail will be completely protected from predators from all sides, including the bottom. If there is any chance of anything digging under, you will need to bury hardware cloth so nothing can get under. I am a fan of railroad ties. They are heavy, and be buried deeply and they never rot. The stuff the ties are soaked in also helps keep the mites down.

Yes! That's pretty much what I'm thinking. Building a coop/tractor thing with screening instead of wood sides. And, where I plan to place it, I don't think anything can dig in (the area was lined and filled with stones some years back. Even with all my gardening, the liner is still there and so are many of the rocks.) And I definitely will have a roof. The predator birds here are known to go through pool screens to get pet birds. Other than those, there's not much else. Opossums, snakes, and a couple cats. Hopefully the weight will be enough to deter these but not so heavy to make it difficult to move.

I think I'm getting there!