Quail growls?

[Goosebaby]

I’m new to quail, I got my first set earlier this spring and I’ve been raising three more that hatched around six weeks ago which I still haven’t introduced to the older birds. One of my older roos “Thistle” occasionally makes a funny little growl sound so I’m aware they can do this but I’m not sure what it’s for, what it means.

I just walked in and one of the younger quail “Peach” just growled at me, except it was far more intense and lasted quite a bit longer and it was rising and falling in pitch. It was actually the most terrifying thing I’ve seen in awhile, he looked like he was chanting something in some arcane forgotten tongue and I was going to end up fighting whatever eldritch horror he was summoning.

What does the growl mean?

 

[Nabiki]

From what I've seen it's a general sign on unhappiness. It could be a response to a threat that they feel they can scare off.

 

[catesquire]

Two of my girls, being too smart for their own good, have figured out I'm the one stealing their eggs. They hunker down and make that growl whenever I come to collect (but notably do not when I'm holding their treat bin.)

 

[Goosebaby]

From what I've seen it's a general sign on unhappiness. It could be a response to a threat that they feel they can scare off.

I might have spooked the little guy then!

 

[Goosebaby]

Two of my girls, being too smart for their own good, have figured out I'm the one stealing their eggs. They hunker down and make that growl whenever I come to collect (but notably do not when I'm holding their treat bin.)

They expect tribute!

 

[Susan Skylark]

If they direct that sound at other birds (hen to hen in particular) I often cull the culprit, I’ve had a few bullies in my group pen and that is a pretty good sign I’ve found the meanie. The difference in the rest of the flock afterwards is amazing, they come out of hiding, start eating, dust bathing, etc. Between males (competition) or little spats over dust bath spots or feed/water access or a hen annoyed with a male isn’t an issue, but a bird that continuously bullies and threatens everybody has got to go. I find it amusing some people have had it directed at them! You must have some bold little birds!

 

[Goosebaby]

If they direct that sound at other birds (hen to hen in particular) I often cull the culprit, I’ve had a few bullies in my group pen and that is a pretty good sign I’ve found the meanie. The difference in the rest of the flock afterwards is amazing, they come out of hiding, start eating, dust bathing, etc. Between males (competition) or little spats over dust bath spots or feed/water access or a hen annoyed with a male isn’t an issue, but a bird that continuously bullies and threatens everybody has got to go. I find it amusing some people have had it directed at them! You must have some bold little birds!

Peach is definitely a character!

 

[Esc_Quaily]

I think Peach may have been giving you a warning. The boys in my bachelor pad growl at my husband when he passes by.

 

[Goosebaby]

I think Peach may have been giving you a warning. The boys in my bachelor pad growl at my husband when he passes by.

He growled at me again today, he was happily gobbling some seebs from my hand, but then I spread the seeds out so the two shy girls could get some and he got all upset with his snacks being on the ground and gurgled at me.

 

[Esc_Quaily]

He growled at me again today, he was happily gobbling some seebs from my hand, but then I spread the seeds out so the two shy girls could get some and he got all upset with his snacks being on the ground and gurgled at me.

Well there you go. He's far too special to eat off the ground. Peach has made that clear to you now. Hand feed him for eternity and he'll never growl again, problem solved