New to the Quail Flock!!!

[sparkleeyes]

Just got our first two quail last night!!! A male and female... we hope! The farmer was to give us one male and one female, but does he know what he gave us, we'll have to see. They look just so similar, and I know they are a small bird but they just look very young. So here's hoping to some successful quail raising.

Will be reading a few threads on here to see what I need to know. But if you have any tips for me, I would love to hear them!!

Also, any tips about raising chicken, ducks, and quail (and a pig) in the same happy family!

Did I mention that husband is obsessed with his poultry, or just animals in general. LOL.

Thanks.

 

[bugglesmommy]

First tip is don't house your quail too close to your chickens. Chickens can pass some nasty stuff that doesn't effect them to quail and wipe out an entire flock.

Quail will need higher protien food, so make sure you give them food meant for game birds.

What species of quail are they?

 

[sparkleeyes]

Well well well. This could be a problem already. They are in a separate area then the chickens but in the same barn. And even the other shed turned chicken house, is all chickens. So we have nowhere really that is separate at the moment.

So what kind of sickness are we talking about here?? The farmer never told us about this. Hmmmmmm.

And, what food would be meant for game birds???

Another learning experience.

 

[bugglesmommy]

I am quoting JAMES THE BALD, he's the quail + chicken expert and can tell you more about coryoza and other illnesses.

Here is a link that pretty much spells out why you shouldn't raise quail and chickens together. From reading the 1st page of the thread, his chickens weren't co-located... he just handled a chicken with gloves on, then handled a quail with the same gloves.

Edited to add: So imagine if he was able to pass the sickness through his gloves, think of what would happen if the chickens & birds were close enough to transmit this through the air? AND, he caught it quick enough. Imagine if he didn't recognize the signs right away? He could have lost his whole covey.

 

[bugglesmommy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ldnt-put-quail-and-chickens-together-update-3

 

[Sycamore27]

Did the farmer you got them from have quail and chickens in the same area? If so you may be okay if they were raised there and developed immunities over generations. Regardless, any new animal brought on to your property should be quarantined for 30 days, no contact with other animals, no shared equipment, and new shoes/clothes/gloves between enclosures. That's just good biosecurity practice. How long have they been in the same space as your chickens? And how close exactly are they? Coryoza is airborne and if the chickens can get above the quail they will be exposed to a slew of other things from chicken droppings in their cage.

As far as feed goes, it should be 24-30% protein and it will be called game bird feed. Turkey starter will also work if it is high enough protein. Purina Game Bird Chow Startena is the most commonly available suitable game bird feed. If it is any other brand game bird starter or grower is what you're looking for, be sure to check the protein as not all are high enough.

Cheers,
Jessie