Male to female ratio in Jumbo Coturnix covey

[oatsbgoats]

So I am a new quail lady, and I have a question about workable male to female ratios in a covey. I have raised 14 jumbo coturnix quail from 1 week old, and I plan to give 10 to my friend who is getting into quail with me. I am only keeping 3-4 for myself, so I was wondering which is better: 2 males and 2 females or 1 male and 2 females? Would either scenario work or would one be more ideal than the other?

I really appreciate the advice- thanks so much!!

 

[TheRealTimShady]

General consensus is 1:4, I would keep it any lower than that sure to fights

 

[TheRealTimShady]

Wouldn't keep

 

[oatsbgoats]

Ok, got it- Would it be OK then if I only have 1:2 or 1:3?

 

[TheRealTimShady]

yes, but keep an eye out, if you have less then 3/4 hens with 1 roo he might go hump crazy. watch their heads as he might hurt them.

i know i had a 1:4 in my breeder pen and he REALLY like one of the hens alot, i had to remove the male b/c she had no feathers left.

 

[Chick Charm]

I like/am currently using 1 roo to 5 hens. If i see a pecked on hen I quarantine her till healed and then put her back with the others. It's worked for me.