Mortality, when are quails at the greatest risk?

[SuseyQ]

I'm curious when you folks tend to lose the most quail. Shortly after hatching, in the brooder, when they transition outdoors or some other time.

Thank You,
SuseyQ

 

[Tabasco Jack]

Seems like I lose more after they are in their adult cages than in the brooder. Cots are pretty hardy little birds. Piling can be a problem in the brooder. Keep them warm, draft free and well fed & watered in the brooder.
Once they are grown, it's another story. They sometimes fight. Everything in the big wide world loves to eat quail. And it seems like the quail stand around thinking of new ways to die.

I had removed the dropping pans for cleaning and while I was away something pulled the leg off of one through the 1/2" x 1"bottom wire. And it was three feet off the ground.
One had a prolapsed vent.
One of my breeding roosters got his head stuck in the 1" x 1" cage wire and broke his neck.

What can I say, some are gonna die in spite of your efforts. I guess that's why we tend to keep so many of them at one time.

 

[SuseyQ]

Tobasco Jack,
That is interesting to learn. I guess quail are really as dumb as they say they are. I'm glad they are hardy birds, because with their brains they would have no ability to survive, it sounds like. What are "pilings"

I'll be on the look out for birds that are suicidal,
SuseyQ

 

[Em Ty]

I thought chickens were dumb until I got quail, and I have 6 chickens who think the automatic door can only be used for going into the coop, not out, even though they've watched 2 chickens go out the door every day for 2 months.

 

[SuseyQ]

Em Ty,
Well maybe the quail will give me a laugh now and again. I did order my eggs. Delivery is about 4 weeks out.

SuseyQ

 

[Tabasco Jack]

Piling - when they all pile on top of each other in the brooder. Either to stay warm or they're frightened. Those on the bottom or against a wall could be crushed or suffocate .

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

[SuseyQ]

Tobasco Jack,
Well I guess you want to "train" them not to pile. LOL I guess that will never happen as they aren't smart enough not to kill each other.

Thank you for clarifying,
SuseyQ