My first ever quail

[BorderKelpie]

Ok, so I made a trade, 6 roos for 7 quail. I was told they were Bobwhites, but after looking through the hatchery catalogs, I have determined that they are coturnix. (I hope I spelled that correstly, heaven knows, I can't pronounce it!) lol
I was thinking about getting some quail next year, after researching and building pens, but you know how that goes....
Anyway. I am trying to determine the best way to house and manage the little cuties. They are eating (a lot of) unmedicated chick crumbles. I made them a little hide box full of shavings that they like to hang out in and dust bathe in. I was told it was 3 boys and 4 girls and that they do best in pairs. Will the boys fight, should I separate them? They were a part of a larger group, and most of them are missing feathers. Is there something I need to do for them to help them grow feathers back faster? We are expecting colder weather, can they stay outdoors or do I need to find just one more corner somewhere in my poor overcrowded house for them? They are currently in a cockatiel flight cage with a litte hide box and some low perches that they don't use. They are somewhat chatty, but quiet and I haven't heard any crowing, but I did see one quail 'riding' another. They are absolutly adorable and I want them to have a good life. Oh yeah, what is there lifespan (if they don't get eaten?)
Thank you!!!

 

[miss_thenorth]

I was told it was 3 boys and 4 girls and that they do best in pairs. Will the boys fight, should I separate them? They were a part of a larger group, and most of them are missing feathers

My esperience is once the feathers are gone, they don't come back. If they start to, the other quail will just peck them out. The best ratio is 3 hens to one roo. I keep 8-12 in a cage together, just make sure they have enough room, cuz overcrowding will cause them to fight.

We are expecting colder weather, can they stay outdoors or do I need to find just one more corner somewhere in my poor overcrowded house for them?

They wil be fine outside, even in freezing temperatures--just keep them out of drafts. Inorder to get eggs, however, they need exposure to at least 14 hours continous light to lay eggs.

I don't know their lifespan, - I rotate mine--the oldest ones get eaten around 12 weeks. they "should" lay eggs around 6 weeks.​

 

[shelleyd2008]

Coturnix do best in groups, with 1 male to at least 3 females. Buttons are the ones that do better in pairs. Coturnix are ground-dwellers, so perches are really a waste of time, they'll never use them. They need about 1 sq. ft. of space per bird,

 

[NYCmadness]

I am thinking about getting some quails, specailly for my kids.
My questions are: Do they require a lot of attention? We have a country hopuse but we are there only on the weekend. Can the quails be left alone ( inside the garage), provided that I can leave enough food and water?
Thinking of getting just a few birds.
Please help!

 

[miss_thenorth]

Quote:
Well, considering the live in cages, I need to feed and water mine twice a day. If you leat too much food out for them, they will make a mess of it or dust bathe in it.And depending on your watering system, they poop i thier water bowl (obvioulsy I use bowls) I would consider them to be low maintenance, but then again you just can't leave them (or any animal) alone all week.

Just my humble opinion.

 

[Emilys3guppies]

My quail use 1litre water bottles with a spout and I need to fill it once every 24 hours or so. I'm sure if you got a large enough waterer then you could, but it would have to be huge or attached to a continuous water supply.

Congrats on the new quail! I love mine and hope you enjoy yours too!

 

[Kullas]

this is my setup. the white line with red cups on the back wall is my watering system it is hooked up to a 5 gallon bucket. they drink out of the nipples and if any drips the cup catches it. the good thing about it is that i never have to clean it there is nothing to poop in

the feeders is solid bottom rabbit feeders from bass equip. i installed some chicken wire in the rabbit feeders and that helps on the waste. i have to fill the feeders about every 2 days and have to top up the water about once every 2 weeks it works for me

 

[BorderKelpie]

Wow, neat setup!
I guess I'll be looking for a few more girls then.

I like these guys more than I thought I would. They are rather plain looking at first, but each has their own individual markings/colors that help identify them. And, they're squishy plump. lol I love holding them. Yup, I want more - little cuties. OMG, can they pack away food, too. Impressive little piggies.
Ok, as soon as possible, I am going to make a 'quail run' and see about maybe gathering up a few more little girls.
Thanks, ya'll!
oh, is the chick starter ok for them, or should I feed them something special?

 

[NYCmadness]

Thank you all for your suggestions and concerns. very very helpful!