Lone Quail in the Cold

[CascadiaRiver]

I have one remaining quail (named ShitBat cause shes a bit crazy compared to the others we used to have) and shes in the bottom of one of our pigeon lofts. Shes probably about two years now and I'm just really concerned about the cold this year, I understand shes probably kind of spoiled compared to a lot of my 4H friends who keep quails but shes my only one left now. I'm looking into getting more and or some snowflake bobwhites to go in the pigeon lofts. But its getting cold, really cold. Its about 40-50 during the day and 20 at night.

I've put about an inch or two of shavings on the bottom of the loft and come little structures on the bottom in hopes if she gets cold perhaps she'd go inside of them. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[AQuailNamedFrancis]

Well, I've heard that Coturnix, Bobs and Mountain quail are all very hardy in the cold. But I would understand why you'd want to give her some extra heat, as she is an older gal. I'd recommend give a little windbreak box (It literally could be a box, thats what I use) and put some hay or shavings inside of it. This should add some warmth. You could add a heatlight. But bewarned this will keep her warm and laying eggs, but i've heard they will die faster. If you truly had to, you could even bring her in the garage. I don't do it often, but occasionally if it gets just absolutely freezing here I'll bring my Coturnix into the garage.

Anyway, best of luck with ShitBat xD (Fantastic Name)

And actually, She would probs be fine. You already added shavings and a lil hut. Her instincts would show and if it got too cold she would hunker down in a hut and wait things out

 

[MarijuanadoctorMiami]

You could a tarp over her living structure ensuring appropriate ventilation

 

[purslanegarden]

Since the quails are OK on the ground, on really cold nights that are still not cold enough to bring them in but cold enough that I might be concerned for them being outside, I put them into an upturned box with vent holes. That should give them some warmth for the night (like sleeping in a tent). In the morning as the temps rise a few degrees, the box is put aside and they get to run around the coop as usual.

 

[dpenning]

I've had 15-20* for overnight lows for the last week and not one quailcicle like I was expecting. Yesterday was the first time it got above freezing during the day. The ones I was concerned about were in a chain link dog run with straw on the ground and some caves they can hunker down in. They were all fine. Just gave them warm water once a day every day and no problem. They do hunker down together tho so a single might be a little more at risk but I'd bet she would do fine.