New quail condo - new member here

[mnormand]

Hello to all, first post here.
I love hobby forums, so much great info and discussions from newbies and knowledgeable folks.

Had pharaoh quail when in high school 40 years ago (ouch). In city now, full of doves and squirrels, garden in good shape, hey let's get some quail for fun! Stumbled on this forum, wow, what a great site.

Monday night I threw together a quick simple tractor type cage with scraps. My college daughter immediately noticed the 2x4 wood I ripped was from their old 20yr old playhouse I recently tore down, it was seriously rotting and served its time. Only thing I needed was $15 wire. Plan to place on ground on nice days, and hang on fence off the ground otherwise. Going buy 4 females and 2 males this evening after work from a local. If I get a few eggs, great, but its really just for fun, all good either way. I have a small nest box inside just in case, haha.

No birds yet, and I'm already thinking of expanding, LOL. Pics with new tenants to come soon !

 

[BackYardQuail]

Welcome to BYC! I only recently joined and started with quail and I got to say this site and its members are great! I hope you enjoy your time here and enjoy your quail, I know I am. Are you planning to get birds for eggs or for future generations to be meat birds? Also, if you have a ratio like that your birds are at risk of fighting, I say 1 male to 4 females would be great. The females lay fertile eggs for 5 to 7 days after being fertilized so 1 male would would give you nice fertile eggs and you will reduce the risk of pecking and sometimes even death.

 

[mnormand]

Thx BYQ.. I agree that's a better idea... one male, more hens, less fighting, more eggs! Everybody is happy happy happy!

 

[dc3085]

Cots are covey birds. The roosters breed aggressively so at least 4 hens, but one rooster is capable of keep 7 hens fertile. Fertility lasts for up to a week after a hen is covered and the rooster will breed several times a day.

 

[mnormand]

Everybody doing great after 1st night. Got that watering solved now too. Just for kicks gonna set some gamecams to check for roaming predators.

 

[mnormand]

I should know this, but is it ok to load up the hopper feeder full up and let them eat at will ? Hoping to be able to leave for 2-3 days when needed. I would use multiple water methods just in case.

 

[dc3085]

They should be fed freely at all times. they will regulate their own intake.