Moving out of state, transporting quail

[eHuman]

I will be moving into my new home soon and need advice on transporting a dozen 4 week old coturnix that will be housed in a 22 gal bin for the trip.

My question is on water and feed. The drive is likely to take 8 hours and I am wondering (more about water) some of the ways I can ensure my birds have access to it in a moving vehicle, with minimal spillage.

 

[DK newbie]

Well.. As far as I know, quail don't drink when it's dark. So as long as you don't load them before they've had a drink in the morning, I don't think it's going to be a problem. But perhaps you can take a break half way through the drive and offer them something to drink? Feed can just be scattered on the floor or put i a shallow bowl.

 

[lomine]

Maybe you could put in a container with one of those nipples or cup type waterers. If you put it in their current cage first they could get used to it.

 

[eHuman]

Has anyone had success transporting their quail that could give me pointers? It will be an 8 hour drive and I want them as stress-free as possible.

Should I give them electrolytes and maybe probiotics in advance of the trip?

 

[DK newbie]

I have transported a pair of button quail for about 6 hours, most of that by train. They were in a wooden box with hardware cloth on one side, and carried in a dark cloth bag. The female laid an egg during the trip and continued to lay an egg a day after arriving to her new home, so I guess the experience wasn't too stressful to her I didn't change anything prior to the trip, just tried to 'pack' them as the last thing, to allow them to eat and drink before leaving.