New Mature quail not laying yet

[kcasey444]

Hello!!! Two weeks ago I purchased my first coturnix quail! I bought 7 hens and 2 rooster. They were all between 6-10 weeks old. They are kept in approximately 24 square foot ground coop that has a solar fan since it’s summer in AZ, fresh water and food daily (game bird feed), they have an area for dust baths, and bedding made from sand, leaves, sticks. I was reading they often have an adjustment period but it’s been slightly over two weeks since I’ve had them. Any advice?

 

[Nabiki]

Anything that stresses your hens out will keep them from laying. Here is a list of common issues.
1 - Not enough light. They need at least 14 hours a day to lay. I don't think this is the problem since it's summer.
2 - Too many males. I think this may be at least part of your issue since you have two males to only 7 females. The ideal ratio is 1:5, but this isn't a firm rule.
3 - Predators hanging around. Check for signs of anything, including mice, rats, cats, dogs, raccoons, possums, hawks, snakes, etc. EVERYTHING likes to eat quail.
4 - Not enough hiding places. Quail are prey animals and need places to hide to feel secure.

I hope this helps some.

 

[kcasey444]

Anything that stresses your hens out will keep them from laying. Here is a list of common issues.
1 - Not enough light. They need at least 14 hours a day to lay. I don't think this is the problem since it's summer.
2 - Too many males. I think this may be at least part of your issue since you have two males to only 7 females. The ideal ratio is 1:5, but this isn't a firm rule.
3 - Predators hanging around. Check for signs of anything, including mice, rats, cats, dogs, raccoons, possums, hawks, snakes, etc. EVERYTHING likes to eat quail.
4 - Not enough hiding places. Quail are prey animals and need places to hide to feel secure.

I hope this helps some.

Thank you so much!!!! I will add some hiding places for them and see if that helps at all! I appreciate the information!