QuailQueen3
Chirping
- Oct 27, 2022
- 78
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Zach, the head of Myshire Farms in the USA, is one of the largest, most reputable, and most knowledgeable hatcheries in the country. Zach recommends 3 to 3.5 quail per square foot. All of their quail are raised on wire. These are Best Practices for Homesteaders and Farmers who are raising quail for eggs and meat.Its funny how my post attempting to show how I raise my supper has turned into such a debate.
These animals aren't pets, they do not get names and longevity of life isn't much a concern. However I do strive to give them a good quality of life while they are here. These birds are born to live through 8-10 weeks. Layers and breeders a bit more. They will be culled each year.
Dust bathes have a purpose and I have stated multiple times I am for them. But one of the main reason a bird uses a dust bath is to smother parasites such as mites (I know they also clean the oil from their feathers). If you never introduce these to a caged animal then there shouldn't be as much of a need for them. I have seen many post of folks using Play Sand and plenty saying the silica can cause cancer. Again many post of folks using yard dirt. If you don't sterilize your dirt you risk brining parasites into your cage system. With that said it wouldn't be hard to do more bad than good with a dust bath. I do like that it gives them something to do besides eat and procreate.
There are birds raised to be pets and others to be food. The way they are raised will be different as the quality of life is different for both styles of keeping birds. The key is to understand there is more than 1 way to raise these birds so folks shouldn't be so short sided that their way is the only way.
I do appreciate all the kind words of some and hope this post in some way helps someone get into raising Quail. I'm not crazy that some of my words were quoted out of context to attempt something.