quail cage- i found someone to make a stack cage but what do i ask for?

[lindy]

also i was going to use a divider in the top layers is that a bad idea, was trying to keep more boys for breeding. and i think two girls with one roo is not enough. three girls with one roo would be 3 square feet total for 4 birds. ... would 3 girls with 1 roo be ok or would he be too mean being that enclosed? thanks in advance for all the advice.

who knows i might just down the road find dog kennels and make large quail aviaries.. i just live where it rains alot and coccidia is a big concern.

 

[Nabiki]

what about keeping them until 9-10 weeks for eating? same amount? and when do you start worrying about the boys together? im trying to research when the best time to butcher is and seems like 8-10 weeks is the time line. I found out the parent birds average 12 ounces so they are not large jumbo birds if that makes a differences? i know all figure it out when i actually have the birds, but just trying to see if i can get away with just a four stack plus the brooder and possibly and outside small kennel for keepers.

If they can see or hear the girls, they're going to fight. If you can keep the girls where the boys don't know that they're there, there's a possibility that you can get away with it. The more space they have and the more hiding places they have, the better chance you have of reducing violence, but there's always a chance.

also i was going to use a divider in the top layers is that a bad idea, was trying to keep more boys for breeding. and i think two girls with one roo is not enough. three girls with one roo would be 3 square feet total for 4 birds. ... would 3 girls with 1 roo be ok or would he be too mean being that enclosed? thanks in advance for all the advice.

You can do that if you can keep the boys in separate enclosures. They are social creatures, but you might get away with it if they can see and hear each other but not touch. They are going to crow like crazy, though. Happy boys are generally fairly quiet, but if they're not, they can be quite loud.

 

[FatherFalcon]

Quail Male-to-Female Ratios:
Purpose and Considerations


2 Hens to 1 Roo: This ratio is ideal for breeding stock or larger quail like the 20oz+ jumbo whites I keep. It ensures enough attention from the male for fertilization while reducing stress on the hens. It's also used when assisted insemination may be needed for their larger size.


3 Hens to 1 Roo: This is a balanced ratio that works well for most general breeding setups. It provides enough females for the roo to breed without overburdening him, and fertility rates tend to be strong. Great for breeding quail for meat or egg production.

(I've had the most success with 4:1)
4 Hens to 1 Roo: Suitable for larger flocks or egg production, where breeding isn’t as specific. The roo can still manage, but fertility rates may start to decline as he has to work harder. Ideal for those focused on quantity over quality.


5 Hens to 1 Roo: Good for general production, especially if fertility isn’t the main goal. The roo stays busy, but fertility may drop and there may be more stress for the hens. Works for larger-scale setups where egg production is prioritized.


6 Hens to 1 Roo: As the ratio increases, the roo’s ability to effectively breed with all the hens decreases. This setup can be used in large flocks where fertility rates aren't as important, but it’s less optimal for breeding.

 

[lindy]

anyone think the height is ok? or should i ask for taller? she has them at 7-9 inches tall.should i go with the divider or just leave it out since its only a 2x3 size cage?

 

[Nabiki]

anyone think the height is ok? or should i ask for taller? she has them at 7-9 inches tall.should i go with the divider or just leave it out since its only a 2x3 size cage?

I would go an inch or two taller. Unless you're planning on cramming the poor birds in, I wouldn't go for a divider. Commercial breeders stuff 3 birds/square foot, but hobbyists and those who keep them as pet/livestock prefer to give them a minimum of 1 square foot per bird.

 

[lindy]

I would go an inch or two taller. Unless you're planning on cramming the poor birds in, I wouldn't go for a divider. Commercial breeders stuff 3 birds/square foot, but hobbyists and those who keep them as pet/livestock prefer to give them a minimum of 1 square foot per bird.

thank you for replyin! i dont have any quail so didnt know height, does it need to be a 2 inch drop? does that work well> i guess the cages are not assembled, so i can change that abit. so ask for 8-10 inch height? ok all also ask about the divider since that might save me some $ not having her make two doors. i plan to have the laying hens,roo in two cages and grow outs in the other two so growouts might be more compact then that since they are small. Or all build a larger cage after figuring this out for grow outs.

 

[Nabiki]

The slope is good for weather to roll off of. Personally, I don't keep my birds in battery cages, so I'm not super familiar with them.
Since you don't have any quail now and it sounds like you don't have much experience with them, you may want to browse through these articles.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/quail.32/

 

[PatientType]

I'd definitely raise the height of the cage if you intend to get jumbo quail. My cages are 11" high and when they stretch their necks just walking around, they're only 1-2 inches below the top of the cage.

So far as the number of birds... My cages are 10 Sq. Ft. and they comfortable accommodate a maximum of about 12 birds. You're right, though, the grow-outs don't need as much. By the time they'd be feeling crowded, they'd be processing age.

As far as a divider... If the cage is wire all around, I'd think a divider isn't needed. Where the divider seems useful is if the cage is outdoors and partially closed in. Then quail can "hide" in that section if they're anxious or go there to stretch-out, lay down & feel safe to relax.