One Button Quail Chasing the Other

[Dovetail]

Hello,

Have had three button quail (they are about three months old) for two weeks. One is male, one is female, and the other (the white one) is supposedly female. (The breeder was not sure; she has decades of experience breeding chickens and quail, but still wasn't sure since the quail in question is white. She was pretty positive that the white quail was female, though.) So far, the quail have been doing fine.

However, this morning, the male has been chasing the white supposed-female around the cage. The white one has been running away. The male has not been chasing the other female. The male chases the white one, chirps at her, and seems to even peck her. We separated them for now.

What's going on?? I am afraid that the male will hurt her. Or, is he trying to breed with her? Or is the white one probably a male? Any ideas, please let me know. I've been reading about button quail care, but have not read much (or found much) on their behavior.

 

[fire370]

More than likely chasing the odd color.

 

[Dovetail]

More than likely chasing the odd color.

Interesting! So it's ok to leave them together?

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Button quail should be kept only in pairs. Trios occasionally work, but clearly this one isn't. He's probably chosen the other one as his mate and he's trying to get rid of the white one. You'll want to take her out.

 

[Dovetail]

Button quail should be kept only in pairs. Trios occasionally work, but clearly this one isn't. He's probably chosen the other one as his mate and he's trying to get rid of the white one. You'll want to take her out.

Dad gomit. Looks like I am going to need a male for the female who is by herself--that can't be a good thing. Thank you.

 

[Fishkeeper]

You could probably also keep her with another female. M/F and F/F button pairs tend to do fine, M/M not so much.

 

[Dovetail]

You could probably also keep her with another female. M/F and F/F button pairs tend to do fine, M/M not so much.

Gotcha. We're frantically looking for a male right now....

 

[Quincy Buttons]

Gotcha. We're frantically looking for a male right now....

Hey Dovetail! If you live in California around the bay area, I may be able to supply you one! I've been looking to re-home my male buttons since my female passed away. I can help with you with other button quail drama and even give you some supplies if you are able to accept