Quail Brooding

[Lextextrapper]

I am new to this quail hatching/brooding. I've read not to use wood shavings in the bottom of the brooder because the little quail eat it and die??? Is this true? If so, what is the best thing to use in the bottom of the brooder for the baby quail?

 

[monarc23]

NEVER had a quail chick eat aspen shavings and die never. sure they will pick them up but never eat them or if they do it has never hurt them. Worst thing I ever caught one eating was one of my VERY long hairs..my hairs over 2 ft long... poor quail LOl even it made it LOL.

 

[Lextextrapper]

Quote:
Thanks, I actually just found your long and very informative post on Cortunix quail and saw where pine shavings is ok.

One other question I have is on the breeding pens. If I use a the 10" X 24" pens for one roo and 3 hens, do they need a solid divider between sections or can I just use 1/2" hardware cloth?

 

[randyandmegs]

If you are concerned as I was about the shavings just use the bigger flakes and not sawdust type shavings. I have read a lot about it too so I never used the smaller shaving but I know the bigger pine type flakes work for me. Someone else might know but im thinking cedar is not a good idea though.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

That's what we use is the big shavings - never had any problems with them eating it.

We start them on diaper rags for the first 3 or 4 days or until they have slopped out enough water to get them wet. then go to shavings, Once we move them out to the brooder barn they go on sand. The sand is easy to clean and you can go longer between cleanings. After that this is home for the breeders.

Steve in NC