PVC Quail Tractor Design? Possibly Other Fowl instead?

[FloorCandy]

Okay! Hmmm. I could keep them under the planting box along the shed wall (and move the plants) - the shed is on wood beams though, so I don’t know if that would get too funky? Obviously don’t want to compromise it.

I can also theoretically use the area between the back of the shed and the fence - it’s about 19 inches wide (I can walk back there) but that might be kind of funky to keep clean, not sure. It definitely gets sun and is otherwise secure from the elements.

Finally, I could just build something between the magnolia tree and the bushes along the fence. It’s not been successful growing grass for the most part because of the shade from the tree.

My thoughts are, the shed area may be hard to clean, maybe use a rake/ hoe thing? You’ll also need a telescoping bug net for catching your birds, and a telescoping grabber to get eggs. The window box might attract flies to your window. I don’t find my Quail attract too many flies, but I do get some. And the fence area seems fine, I can’t really think of any cons from that.

 

[NY Coturnix]

I have 1/2 wire bottom but have 2 sand boxes and put a piece of wood or temporary cardboard for their feet. I wouldn't have just wire as they need a place to get off it. typically put the food and water on the wire hoping they poop there and it'll fall through.

 

[FloorCandy]

I have 1/2 wire bottom but have 2 sand boxes and put a piece of wood or temporary cardboard for their feet. I wouldn't have just wire as they need a place to get off it. typically put the food and water on the wire hoping they poop there and it'll fall through.

My grow out has a ramp up the middle, and I have the food in the back and the water up front, both to the left of the ramp, I call the strip between the food and water the danger zone, that is where ALL the poop is lol. They get out of their boxes to poop there.

 

[TeePants]

My thoughts are, the shed area may be hard to clean, maybe use a rake/ hoe thing? You’ll also need a telescoping bug net for catching your birds, and a telescoping grabber to get eggs. The window box might attract flies to your window. I don’t find my Quail attract too many flies, but I do get some. And the fence area seems fine, I can’t really think of any cons from that.

I actually just got a 5in wide rake that’s meant for using around shrubs, it gets here this weekend so I’m going to test it out back there as I haven’t finished cleaning the leaf litter out from the tree we had cut down.
Totally forgot about flies. We had a very hard working fly trap hanging from the roof of the chicken run, in addition to cleaning. I’d like to try to make sure there’s minimal gross factor out of desire to not make our neighbors hate us lol.

 

[TeePants]

Okay, I think something in the area by the magnolia but in front of the bushes makes the most sense - still leaves yard space for the kids to spread out a game in the grass, and I won’t have to futz with the awkward gap between shed and fence. I’m rethinking now if I want off the ground style hutch. Looking also at what kind of compost bin I can get that will fit the space, is sealed and vented to minimize smell, and can process quail poop. Maybe one of those ones on the legs that spin with a side crank.

All this to say, back to the drawing board for the pen design! I can make some different lumber choices if I don’t have to drag it around, which is nice; if I raise it up I could theoretically put wheels on one end so I could move it if I need access to the back part of the yard for some reason.

 

[FloorCandy]

Okay, I think something in the area by the magnolia but in front of the bushes makes the most sense - still leaves yard space for the kids to spread out a game in the grass, and I won’t have to futz with the awkward gap between shed and fence. I’m rethinking now if I want off the ground style hutch. Looking also at what kind of compost bin I can get that will fit the space, is sealed and vented to minimize smell, and can process quail poop. Maybe one of those ones on the legs that spin with a side crank.

All this to say, back to the drawing board for the pen design! I can make some different lumber choices if I don’t have to drag it around, which is nice; if I raise it up I could theoretically put wheels on one end so I could move it if I need access to the back part of the yard for some reason.

I just bought one of those. It’s called a compost tumbler.

here’s what I got, I think it’s too small tho, I filled one side in like 4 days with birds bedding and veggie scraps, also you can compost eggs so there’s a bunch of duds from the bators in there.

https://www.amazon.com/EJWOX-Capaci...eywords=compost+tumbler&qid=1618441453&sr=8-5

There’s one like twice the size, with 2 drums that look like barrels, but it’s like $300, I really want it, but space isn’t an issue for me, my property borders woods and I just put it out at the tree line.

 

[FloorCandy]

Did I mention the tumbler is supposed to make compost in as little as 5 weeks, vs like months to years in a regular pile.

 

[TeePants]

I have 1/2 wire bottom but have 2 sand boxes and put a piece of wood or temporary cardboard for their feet. I wouldn't have just wire as they need a place to get off it. typically put the food and water on the wire hoping they poop there and it'll fall through.

Are you NYCoturnix on YouTube? If so, I have found your videos immensely helpful!

 

[FloorCandy]

Are you NYCoturnix on YouTube? If so, I have found your videos immensely helpful!

I believe they are not the same person, but our NY Coturnix is also very helpful.

 

[TeePants]

I believe they are not the same person, but our NY Coturnix is also very helpful.

Haha, thanks for clearing that up!