Introducing new quail to existing flock

[highwinds2c]

What are tips for introducing new quails to a flock? I was attempting to add some new future breeders to my single pair of normal coturnix quail.

I had attempted to introduce some 3 week old chicks (5) to a pair (one roo and one hen) so that we have a better ratio and had devastating results where we had to cull the chicks due to serious injury they received from the Rooster who is now also on a pending list for possible dinner.

Process used to help clarify incase I made a mistake so I can do better with the next group:

1. starting first by cleaning and setting up a new enclosure and placing a divider so the group went in at the same time and could see one another without being able to directly reach one another. (120x60x60 cm or about 7.5 or 8 sqft)
2. left the divider in the cage so they could see each other but not reach the other side for a couple days.
3. opened a gate between and supervised the interaction for a few hours with no signs of pecking or fighting.
4. separated them overnight again with the divider.
5. next day removed the divider completely and observed them throughout the day with again no signs of aggression from the older quails. all were moving around as normal eating and drinking the whole day so I left them together overnight.
6. Came in the next morning to the sound of a chick screaming and my roo slinging it around the cage and all 5 chicks showing serious injuries which were quickly culled to prevent suffering.

The original hen was not injured but obviously stressed and soaking wet from flying around and crashing into the water.

 

[Nabiki]

Your method is good, but the chicks are still too young to be put in with the adults. You will want to wait until they're around 6 weeks old so they're about the same size as the adults.

 

[highwinds2c]

Your method is good, but the chicks are still too young to be put in with the adults. You will want to wait until they're around 6 weeks old so they're about the same size as the adults.

ah I just thought with them being a bit younger and not sexually mature they wouldn't seem as much of a threat. tho could just be this rooster. we had some minor aggression from him before but he seemed to calm down with this hen so we gave it a chance but still on the fence after him killing some of the chicks