Making my preparations...

[motorwaycones]

Hello,

I'm picking up the cage for my quail tomorrow. Once I've checked it's suitable for 4 quail, I'm going shopping for everything I'll need before buying my quail. I want to be really prepared so can anyone tell me if there's anything I've not thought to buy....

I'm getting:

the cage (obviously)
layers mash
bird cage disinfectant
water fountain
food dispenser
bird sand and bath
cardboard transporter box
chick bedding

I've looked up the best bits but is there anything else you'd recommend I get now before I pick the birds up? I've heard millet and apple cider vinegar can be good for them but is there anything you think I must get from day one?

Thanks!

Alex

 

[falconertomt]

the cage (obviously)

layers mash - Get yourself some chick starter (non medicated) 25% Protein or higher, 30% is recommended.

bird cage disinfectant - Get a gallon of white vinegar, works real well, and much less likely to kill off your birds.

water fountain - Make sure that you get some marbles, or other non-toxic things to put in there to prevent your chicks from accidentally drowning

food dispenser

bird sand and bath

cardboard transporter box

chick bedding


You will also need a heat source. A heat lamp is the most common. Get it, set it up in your brooder, and turn it on, then put a thermometer under it, at the back level of your chicks (~ 2") and make sure your temperature does not exceed 100, adjust the height of the bulb until you get the right temperature. Reduce the temperature 5 degrees each week for the first 4 weeks

Notebook - Keep track of your little ones, note their behaviors and habits. Changes to these can be the first indications of illness or stress.

Also read the posts in this forum, there is a lot of good information here.

That is all I can think of at the moment.


Good luck!