Is the Quail the Right Bird for Me?

[Pranav A.]

Hello all, I just want to know if the quail is the right bird for me. I am thinking about Silkies, Buff Orpingtons, or Quails. Please let me know if you think there are other good species. No parrots or cockatoos please.

Here is what I am looking for. I would like a beloved companion to share all of my free time with. I want a bird that is affectionate, love sitting in my lap or on me, like being pet, and isn't too expensive. I would love if I would be able to keep the bird in my room, but I can make exceptions. I live in West Virginia, which is Humid Continental, so we have hot summers and cold winters. Edible eggs would be nice, but not at all a priority.

 

[pepperpellets]

I had Coturnix quail. I didn't think they were all that affectionate. Our Buff Orpingtons seemed to be, for sure.

 

[Chicks 'n ducks]

I think you should let them live outside. Chickens can live indoors, but they really just do better in the fresh air. If you do let them live outside, get at least two as they are flock animals. Silkies are sweet and docile, as well as Buff Orpingtons. Ducklings will imprint on you, which is nice if you really want to have a bond with your bird. If you insist on keeping them inside, you could keep a pair of tiny button quail in an aquarium. They are adorable. Look them up.

 

[Pranav A.]

I think you should let them live outside. Chickens can live indoors, but they really just do better in the fresh air. If you do let them live outside, get at least two as they are flock animals. Silkies are sweet and docile, as well as Buff Orpingtons. Ducklings will imprint on you, which is nice if you really want to have a bond with your bird. If you insist on keeping them inside, you could keep a pair of tiny button quail in an aquarium. They are adorable. Look them up.

Thanks. I just don't have much space behind my house for a chicken coop (I am a gardener and I have a gardening frame put in there.) So would a chicken be unhappy indoors? I would take him or her out every day. I ultimately want the bird to be happy, so I am not going to commit to a chicken and force it to be inside if it is unhappy.

 

[GryffindorChick]

Button Quail are nice and small so you could keep them indoors. Cayuga ducklings are friendly and cute, but ducklings are very messy so I might not keep them inside.

 

[chickencheeper]

You must have at least 2-3 birds no matter what. They are flock animals and unless you can provide them with constant companionship 24/7 7 days a week 365 1/4 days a year then you need more than one. This is especially prominent in chickens and ducks

 

[Pranav A.]

Button Quail are nice and small so you could keep them indoors. Cayuga ducklings are friendly and cute, but ducklings are very messy so I might not keep them inside.

Duck Diapers?

 

[chickencheeper]

Duck Diapers?

Believe it or not, yes. They come in many different styles, chicken, duck, or goose. Even branded ones(I’ve seen Superman and Batman) and there are even harnesses and leashes

 

[Pranav A.]

You must have at least 2-3 birds no matter what. They are flock animals and unless you can provide them with constant companionship 24/7 7 days a week 365 1/4 days a year then you need more than one. This is especially prominent in chickens and ducks

Oh I will be keeping more than one definitely. Probably only 2, though.

 

[GryffindorChick]

I think that would work. Although ducks do need water to clean themselves.