Looking for info on quail!

[Logar]

Hello (again)! Since I have my family and I have been enjoying keeping chickens so much, I am thinking about getting some quail, most likely coturnix quail. So first, how do you pronounce coturnix?

Now onto the keeping questions. I plan on keeping probably 6 or so and was wondering what the sex ratio should be? I am thinking 2:4 as they would mostly be for eggs but would like to hatch out some to replace the older quail occasionally. I am thinking something like a 5x3x3 foot enclosure with around 1/3-1/2 of that being enclosed. Does that sound good? And that leads me onto the enclosed part. From what I have seen, it would probably be a good idea to insulate it. I plan on using 1/2 inch insulation board sandwiched in between an interior and exterior wall. And for the open area what should I use for the ground? I plan on having it raised and am not sure what to do. I do know that I will have the run area covered.

From what I have seen, gamebird starter feed with oyster shells on the side seems to be what is recommended a lot. Is that good?

Is there anything else important that I should know?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Patiocoturnix]

Hello (again)! Since I have my family and I have been enjoying keeping chickens so much, I am thinking about getting some quail, most likely coturnix quail. So first, how do you pronounce coturnix?

I pronounce it co-tur-nix

Now onto the keeping questions. I plan on keeping probably 6 or so and was wondering what the sex ratio should be? I am thinking 2:4 as they would mostly be for eggs but would like to hatch out some to replace the older quail occasionally.

1:5 would be best

am thinking something like a 5x3x3 foot enclosure with around 1/3-1/2 of that being enclosed. Does that sound good? And that leads me onto the enclosed part. From what I have seen, it would probably be a good idea to insulate it. I plan on using 1/2 inch insulation board sandwiched in between an interior and exterior wall. And for the open area what should I use for the ground? I plan on having it raised and am not sure what to do. I do know that I will have the run area covered.

That sounds good to me but I’ll let some building experts get to you on that one.

From what I have seen, gamebird starter feed with oyster shells on the side seems to be what is recommended a lot. Is that good?

This is what I use. I can’t find game bird maintenance or a good chicken layer that I would use I have heard they’ll get overweight though my oldest birds are over a year old and doing good.

Is there anything else important that I should know?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Nabiki]

I would start here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/quail.32/

Feel free to ask more questions after you've browsed through some of the articles.

 

[eddie_van_quailen]

Quick suggestion regarding the enclosure: quail tend to flush (fly upward) when startled, so a ceiling height of no more than 18 inches or no less than 6 feet is usually recommended. 18" keeps them from gaining the velocity they need for serious injury, and 6+ feet allows them to flush & land safely without hitting the ceiling.

But yes, you should find lots of other helpful information in the articles linked above!

 

[Logar]

The began building it and have most of the framing done. Still need to do some convincing to get the parental units to approve of quail

 

[Logar]

Here it is so far. The pictures make the roof look weird but it actually looks pretty good in person. I am going to get roofing supplies tomorrow but decided to paint the plywood as it has been up in my attic for 30 years since the house was built so it isn’t in the best shape but would like it to last for as long as possible. And yes, I know that was a horrible sentence