New Member

Date sort Score sort
SuseyQ

SuseyQ

Chirping
Joined
Feb 5, 2016
Messages
196
Reaction score
2
Points
59
Hi I go by SuseyQ,
I have no chickens or any other birds but need to start some soon. I was raised with chickens, but since I'm allergic to the meat and eggs I'm investigating quail as a possible option. I'd like the eggs and meat for personal use. I'm also allergic to duck eggs.

I live in So. NM where wild Bobwhites are numerous. I've considered trapping some and trying to raise them, but I'm not sure it's lega and I don't know if it would work either.

I live with my husband and 4 children. We currently have four dogs. Two poodle mixes, a terrier mix and a Golden Retriever pup.

I found this site by net searches. Whenever I looked up something about quail this site came up so I decided to join. I'm very grateful for a site that's willing to support newbies like me.

I currently don't have any equipment and know very little about raising birds, well except chickens. I want to do this right and not be out a lot of money. I am concerned about predators such fox, coyote, owls, Roadrunners (of course) etc. How do I securely protect my investment and where is the best place to raise these birds?

Thank You,
SuseyQ
 
Hi SuseyQ,
welcome-byc.gif


If you haven't seen it yet, there's a section in the Learning Center on quail. There's also a forum for members that have quail or are interested in them. Here are some links to help you get there:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/other-backyard-poultry-ducks-quail-turkeys-geese-etc (Learning Center)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/48/quail (forum)

Feel free to ask questions, there are a lot of helpful members here and a ton of information.

Good luck to you and thanks for joining us!
 
Thank you for your response. I have read a few things on the forum before becoming a member. But honestly I think I'm as confused as ever since I've read things on other sites to. Hopefully I can figure this out shortly. Thank you for the information.
 
NorthFLchick,
I guess my biggest question is how do I get started? What should I do first? I know this all takes time, but I suspect that is my biggest question.

Thanks,
SuseyQ
 
SuseyQ said:
NorthFLchick,
I guess my biggest question is how do I get started? What should I do first? I know this all takes time, but I suspect that is my biggest question.

Thanks,
SuseyQ
Click to expand...

First read everything you can find about them. That's going to tell you about the different types of quail and which one might be the best fit for your circumstances. It will help you find out what sort of housing needs they have, what to feed them, what to do to keep them safe from predators, any health issues that may be expected, etc.

If you think they are the right birds for you, talk to breeders or owners of quail, ask for advice.

Locate a source for either birds or hatching eggs.

Then you get busy setting up an incubator (if you're going to hatch eggs) and a brooder for when they are young. You'll also want to build or buy some sort of housing for when they are too big for the brooder.

Get any supplies you may need...food, waterers and feeders, maybe some basic first aid supplies for emergencies, heat lamp for their brooder. Whatever your research tells you they need.

Then get your birds or hatching eggs and you're off and running.

BYC can help you with all of the above. The link I gave you earlier for the Learning Center explains some of these basics. The quail forum members can help you by answering questions you might still have.

Good luck!
 
Great advice and thank you. Can you recommend some good books? Also do you know if the climate that you live in impacts the quail breed you get?
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom