Minimum number of coturnix quail per flock?

[BudgiesQuailsChickens]

Hi! I have been looking to maybe get some coturnix quail. Not for eggs really, but for pets. I was wondering what the absolute minimum amount per flock would be? And also can you keep males together with no females? Or Visa versa? Love you all

 

[DK newbie]

Hi! The minimum number is 2 - but in case something happens and one dies, it's better to have one or more extras.
You can be lucky and be able to keep all male groups together, but don't count on it long term.
All females work well, though some hens can be very dominant and cause issues, in general they do well together.
If you keep a male with your females, you usually need 3-6 females to prevent the male from over breeding them.

 

[el dorado quail]

As far as I know you cannot keep just males. As far as flock size maybe 2? I'm still in research stage so wait for more experienced wisdom lol

 

[CoturnixComplex]

I have birds that are happiest in single M/F pairs and go mean and stressed when in larger flocks, and I have males that would absolutely decimate hens if kept with only a single one, and need 3+ girlfriends (the more the better). It honestly depends on the individuals, which is why it's always helpful to have an extra cage laying around. Rule of thumb to aim for would be a single male (or no male!) and ~3-6 hens.

I have had success keeping only females together, but not only males. Males are mean, and don't calm down without females around like chickens do.

 

[le_bwah]

I'd aim for 3-5 hens, depending on the size of the enclosure. Only 2 is no good—if one bird dies then the other is alone. You can keep males with females, ideally more than 3 hens to 1 rooster, but you risk increased fighting and over-mating.

 

[BudgiesQuailsChickens]

Thank you all so much!