- Thread starter
- #9
TinaandJohnny
Chirping
- Aug 23, 2022
- 145
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Thank you so much for you input! I’m really looking forward to building them a ground enclosure. I’ll look around for some material for the bottom, hopefully nothing that will splinter out since we get all seasons here and probably something around the bottom that is “splash” proof because we get heavy rain sometimes. Love your aviary!Thank you! The bark is the best organic substrate I've found for my climate—it doesn't fully break down like true deep litter, but it for sure is easier to rake over than straw or wood shavings. I did indeed use hardware cloth all over, plus a "skirt" of hardware cloth around the base—may as well make it as secure as possible. I've had hens going broody since the start, but since I finally realized their behavior for what it was, I've been giving them fertile eggs to try out. My four-year-old Wilma did it last year, and one of her chicks mothered 5 this spring. Now Wilma's at it again. Hoping to keep the population steady over the next few years.
You're wise not to let them outside on their own—quail are easy pickings for most predators. Would totally recommend the walk-in size, as it makes cleaning and gathering eggs/catching birds much easier. The wooden parts are just stained, but they are totally due for another coat—looking back, I'd probably recommend something more heavy-duty than deck stain unless you want to be restaining it every 4-5 years.