I have had chickens for a few years now (6? I guess?), added rabbits in a few months ago, but would like an alternate meat source so I am thinking quail. I despise processing chickens, but quail (I have been told) are far easier, and youtube makes it appear that way as well.
Anyway, thinking through housing for them. I am not sure what breed to get at this point... I was looking at Cotournix, but not sure an all dark meat bird is the best option for my family.
Here are my options (using what I have on hand):
I have 6 hanging rabbit cages currently not being used (brand new, but fell into a great deal on a couple hutches right after purchasing them so I am using those instead). I am still in the early stages of researching, but I am guessing the wire spacing is too large?
This wire shelving unit (currently not being used for anything except a place to put junk when I clean up the yard before mowing):
I am thinking I can use it as a good, solid frame, wrap it in wire, add some fiberglass/plastic corrugated roofing for "poop chutes" between levels, use J-clips for simple wire doors. 3 levels for quail!
Or this wooden crate:
The top is just a loose lid. Take it off, cover the current top with wire and flip it over onto a 4x4 stand. Cut the wood out between the supports, cover with wire. Add two doors to one side (have it propped up slightly on one side so the eggs roll forward). The plus side is that I could then fence off the 4x4 frame down below for a grow out pen eventually.
Anyway, thinking through housing for them. I am not sure what breed to get at this point... I was looking at Cotournix, but not sure an all dark meat bird is the best option for my family.
Here are my options (using what I have on hand):
I have 6 hanging rabbit cages currently not being used (brand new, but fell into a great deal on a couple hutches right after purchasing them so I am using those instead). I am still in the early stages of researching, but I am guessing the wire spacing is too large?
This wire shelving unit (currently not being used for anything except a place to put junk when I clean up the yard before mowing):
I am thinking I can use it as a good, solid frame, wrap it in wire, add some fiberglass/plastic corrugated roofing for "poop chutes" between levels, use J-clips for simple wire doors. 3 levels for quail!
Or this wooden crate:
The top is just a loose lid. Take it off, cover the current top with wire and flip it over onto a 4x4 stand. Cut the wood out between the supports, cover with wire. Add two doors to one side (have it propped up slightly on one side so the eggs roll forward). The plus side is that I could then fence off the 4x4 frame down below for a grow out pen eventually.
