Needing some opinions on a quail enclosure.

[sewchick]

I have been racking my mind for an easy solution for a temp place for them to grow up. Ok so I cannot put them outside. I live in Maine and it would be too cold for chicks. I was wondering if an Armoire would work. I thought to put wire on the back and use the cabinet doors to clean it out. It would be laying on it side on a makeshift frame. I thought that might work once I get them out of the brooder. They are still eggs at the moment in the incubator. I have seen a lot of cheap Armoires on facebook marketplace. I had been thinking on an old dresser but it would not have the cabinet doors for cleaning and moving things around. Let me know if you think that would work out. I am open to suggestions. Thank you.

 

[oldhen2345]

I think it is a good idea. I have thought of that on occasion myself. The only down side I can think of is that when you open the door to put in fresh water or feed or clean, the quail will pop right on out. Great if it is in an enclosure, but if you have a quail/ chick killing dog like mine, it could be a disaster.

 

[sewchick]

I think it is a good idea. I have thought of that on occasion myself. The only down side I can think of is that when you open the door to put in fresh water or feed or clean, the quail will pop right on out. Great if it is in an enclosure, but if you have a quail/ chick killing dog like mine, it could be a disaster.

No dogs here. Just a cat and that might be just as bad. Maybe I could make a false bottom and cut the door in half and just clean the bottom from that. I had already decided to make a feeder that I can feed them on the outside with. I have seen some great videos on this for chickens. I don't think quail are much different than size.
Thanks for your input because now I am thinking of ways not to let them ever get out.

 

[RUNuts]

Saw one setup using air filters to keep the dust and dander down. Used plexiglass for viewing, hardware cloth on top with air filters to collect the dust. As dusty as they are in the brooder, adults are more so.

Yes, any cabinet you can modify would work and clean easy. Depending on height and number of birds, consider a 2 story. I'm using a ferret cage on the back porch with 2 groups of breeders. One group on each floor. Yes, I've been hit in the face with one hurling itself towards freedom. Wear glasses. Keep a tight meshed net near the coop.

If you are handy, purpose built battery coops are easy to construct and will be whatever dimensions you need. Research rabbit cages for wire cage construction. Wynola ranch cages are fabricated quail cages to give you an idea on layout. They have good pictures.

Keep in mind, more ventilation, more dust.

 

[sewchick]

Saw one setup using air filters to keep the dust and dander down. Used plexiglass for viewing, hardware cloth on top with air filters to collect the dust. As dusty as they are in the brooder, adults are more so.

Yes, any cabinet you can modify would work and clean easy. Depending on height and number of birds, consider a 2 story. I'm using a ferret cage on the back porch with 2 groups of breeders. One group on each floor. Yes, I've been hit in the face with one hurling itself towards freedom. Wear glasses. Keep a tight meshed net near the coop.

If you are handy, purpose built battery coops are easy to construct and will be whatever dimensions you need. Research rabbit cages for wire cage construction. Wynola ranch cages are fabricated quail cages to give you an idea on layout. They have good pictures.

Keep in mind, more ventilation, more dust.

My husband is very handy. He builds stuff. I think he can make something out of an old dresser or something. I looked at a few Armoires but they are a long way to travel for the cheaper ones. I have read that using linoleum on the bottom makes cleaning easier. I only am planning for a couple of female chickens, several quail and maybe a couple of ducks. I have them all in the incubator now. Heaven knows what will come out of all of it. I will probably regret having all those eggs coming out at nearly the same time. I will do something about the dust. Thank you for mentioning that. I forgot how much dust they make. I will make sure they have a lot of ventilation. They will be in the cellar in what we can put together. The cellar stays a lot warmer than outside. I think around 60. I know they have to be warm until the feathers come in. I have hatched out quite a few in the past.

 

[RUNuts]

Oh, a basement? Get the largest dog crate you can for the chickens. For the quail, a large cardboard box with window screens on top and air filters. I used a hot water heater box. Some people go to the grocery store for watermelon boxes. You get the idea. Pumpkin boxes this time of year. Cut a door to step in for food and water and cuddles.

I made a puppy brooder one winter. 6'x8' and Crazy Lady had that in the living room way too long. When they jump out, time to go. Anyway, I assembled in the garage for chickens. Blue tarp, cardboard and straw on top for flooring. Fun times. Got deer netting for a cover with 2"x1" boards for support.

Lots of options.