Hello. I'm new to this forum site and new to owning quail. Within the next 2 weeks I will be receiving 2 quail. I believe they are like Chinese Painted Quail. A person my Grandfather knows has many he gave away as eggs and now the ones he has are hatched and so my Grandfather got me 2 and I'm super excited. I grew up around quail as a little girl and they have a special place in my heart because of my Great Grandfather.
Anyways, I want to be sure I have everything I need and everything in order before they come to live with us. I have seen so many options online when I searched through Google that I got a bit overwhelmed I think. Just too many ideas. LoL So, can you help me with the basics for right now? I know I will need an enclosure first. What should I do? I looked at all of our extras in storage and don't believe I have anything that will work for these young quail. I have some 10 gallon aquariums and a ferret/rabbit cage. These quail will be approximately 2-3 weeks of age when I get them by the way (I dunno if this will help in the enclosure ideas or not). What do I get for bedding, feeding, etc.... What do I do about water? Do they use a water dish (meaning small bowl) or what? What do I do about decorations in the enclosure? I don't mean for just looks, I mean for the quail. Do they like plants, rocks, wood planks, etc...? What about lighting, humidity, shelter? Do they like a small house or just a nesting area? When I say nesting area I don't mean for actual nesting. I have no intentions of breeding these quail. I believe the guy will be sexing them so I can be sure not to breed on accident.
I'm not sure if I covered everything or not, but please let me know!! Any and all input will be well taken and much appreciated. I hope to make these quail healthy and happy quail.
Thanks so much!!
Anyways, I want to be sure I have everything I need and everything in order before they come to live with us. I have seen so many options online when I searched through Google that I got a bit overwhelmed I think. Just too many ideas. LoL So, can you help me with the basics for right now? I know I will need an enclosure first. What should I do? I looked at all of our extras in storage and don't believe I have anything that will work for these young quail. I have some 10 gallon aquariums and a ferret/rabbit cage. These quail will be approximately 2-3 weeks of age when I get them by the way (I dunno if this will help in the enclosure ideas or not). What do I get for bedding, feeding, etc.... What do I do about water? Do they use a water dish (meaning small bowl) or what? What do I do about decorations in the enclosure? I don't mean for just looks, I mean for the quail. Do they like plants, rocks, wood planks, etc...? What about lighting, humidity, shelter? Do they like a small house or just a nesting area? When I say nesting area I don't mean for actual nesting. I have no intentions of breeding these quail. I believe the guy will be sexing them so I can be sure not to breed on accident.
I'm not sure if I covered everything or not, but please let me know!! Any and all input will be well taken and much appreciated. I hope to make these quail healthy and happy quail.
Thanks so much!!