Integrating new females with lone male coturnix

[jerseygirl1]

Is there any fail proof way to add new females to a lonely male? The male is about a year old, the females are about 4 weeks. Is that too soon? Can I put the girls in one at a time and wait a few days before adding another? Is a three to one ratio OK?

 

[jenjscott]

I would wait until the females are of breeding age,ie 6-7 weeks and then put them all in at once. One at a time, the first one in might get overused.

 

[kingmt]

I would say 4 weeks is to soon. I think you should wait another month. When you introduce them you need to put all 4 together in a strange cage at the same time. A 3-1 ratio should be fine, then hens may get rode a little hard but there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[JJMR794]

King and Jen are right. 4 wks is too early. Wait until grown. Adding hens to a lone roo is no problem--- just chuck them in there with him and you'll be his best buddy

Also king has a point with 3 to 1--- if he is overly amorous they may get used a lil much... Just watch the hens after adding them for a while and make sure he's not breeding them to the point of exhaustion or injury.