Newbie Quail Questions

[sonsandmoons]

Hey guys! I just bought 6 Coturnix hens 2 days ago. I was told they're about 8 weeks old. I bought Game Bird Chow, but I ignorantly bought the Startena. It was all they had at Tractor Supply for game birds. Is it okay to feed to adult birds? It's 30% protein. How much oyster shell should I add to their food? I haven't been able to find the oyster shell yet, so I will have to order some. One of the birds has a red spot at the top of its beak, I would guess from either another bird pecking, or maybe because they are always pecking at the wire around the sides of their pen. Is this something to worry about? They are on the ground on grass and straw in a wire enclosure. Any advice for me? Thanks in advance!

 

[le_bwah]

Hey guys! I just bought 6 Coturnix hens 2 days ago. I was told they're about 8 weeks old. I bought Game Bird Chow, but I ignorantly bought the Startena. It was all they had at Tractor Supply for game birds. Is it okay to feed to adult birds? It's 30% protein. How much oyster shell should I add to their food? I haven't been able to find the oyster shell yet, so I will have to order some. One of the birds has a red spot at the top of its beak, I would guess from either another bird pecking, or maybe because they are always pecking at the wire around the sides of their pen. Is this something to worry about? They are on the ground on grass and straw in a wire enclosure. Any advice for me? Thanks in advance!

• 30% protein won't hurt adult quail short-term, but it's more than they need long-term. If you have a D&B Supply in your area, they typically have a better selection on hand (in my experience), from 22-26%.
• Give oyster shell or cuttlebone free-choice—just offer a little bowl next to their food and water and they'll take what they need. Remember to keep it topped up!
• If they're pecking the wire of their pens, it's because they're stressed and looking to escape. Do they have enough cover to hide in? Do they have a dust bath? How much space do they have? I only ask so other people here can help you better.

 

[sonsandmoons]

We made sure to have 2 square feet per bird so it’s a 6 x 2 ft pen. I need to find some more plants to put in there but I have a cardboard box hidey hole and some brush and a sand bath. They are afraid of me, but hopefully they will calm down over time.

 

[le_bwah]

We made sure to have 2 square feet per bird so it’s a 6 x 2 ft pen. I need to find some more plants to put in there but I have a cardboard box hidey hole and some brush and a sand bath. They are afraid of me, but hopefully they will calm down over time.

That's good you've given them their bath and some enrichment, and the space should be fine for that many hens. If you get plants, all I can recommend is thyme—it's the only thing mine haven't seriously nibbled on.

Your hens are probably nervous from the move, which won't help their tractability. To get them habituated faster, try scattering treats (mealworms, a little seed, etc.) and then leaving your hand in the pen while they eat. You can move up to hand-feeding them—they'll get the picture that you're their source of food soon enough.

 

[sonsandmoons]

That's good you've given them their bath and some enrichment, and the space should be fine for that many hens. If you get plants, all I can recommend is thyme—it's the only thing mine haven't seriously nibbled on.

Your hens are probably nervous from the move, which won't help their tractability. To get them habituated faster, try scattering treats (mealworms, a little seed, etc.) and then leaving your hand in the pen while they eat. You can move up to hand-feeding them—they'll get the picture that you're their source of food soon enough.

Thanks, I will try that.