Quail hopping like grasshoppers

[ManOverBoard]

First time quail owners, and we've noticed that our quail hope like grasshoppers from time to time, and we're wondering why they do this, it's so adorable. We're assuming this is typical quail behavior

 

[Nabiki]

Sounds normal to me. They start flying in as little as a week or two.

 

[ManOverBoard]

There at least three weeks old now, and yes, they do fly, but we just love these little hops!
They like tuck themselves all in and squat a little an sort of spring forward then freeze the spring forward again. Is there any behavioral significance to it? Like when rabbits jump over each other?

 

[ManOverBoard]

Sounds normal to me. They start flying in as little as a week or two.

P.s. Thank you for replying to all our quail posts!

 

[Nabiki]

There at least three weeks old now, and yes, they do fly, but we just love these little hops!
They like tuck themselves all in and squat a little an sort of spring forward then freeze the spring forward again. Is there any behavioral significance to it? Like when rabbits jump over each other?

Not that I know of. They are just active little creatures.

 

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

They hop all the time! Sometimes just for no reason it seems.

 

[FatherFalcon]

The "pounce and sit still" behavior you’re noticing could be part of their natural development process.

When they suddenly jump or "pounce," it could be a combination of several things:

1. Muscle Development: As they grow, they are building up strength and coordination in their legs, which allows them to jump more quickly and efficiently. This can sometimes look like an instinctive burst of energy.
2. Instinctual Responses: Quail chicks are born with survival instincts. The sudden "pounce" could be triggered by a minor stimulus, like the sound of something nearby or a shadow overhead. It’s often a quick way for them to test their surroundings or prepare to flee.
3. Playful Behavior: While they’re learning to be more alert and cautious, they also engage in playful or exploratory behaviors. Jumping around and then sitting still might be a way for them to practice staying hidden or blending in with their surroundings, a crucial skill for avoiding predators.
4. Learning from Their Environment: As they develop, quail are learning the lay of the land—where to hide, how to move, and how to be still when necessary. The stillness after a jump could be a way for them to assess whether it’s safe to stay hidden, or if they need to make another quick movement.

In essence, these behaviors are a mix of physical development, instinct, and learning. They’ll refine them more as they grow, becoming more skilled at avoiding danger and navigating their environment.

 

[EvieChickenGirl]

First time quail owners, and we've noticed that our quail hope like grasshoppers from time to time, and we're wondering why they do this, it's so adorable. We're assuming this is typical quail behavior

awww mine do that too

 

[Susan Skylark]

We call it the hop hops and while usually younger birds, even the oldies do it when in a playful mood, I love it! Seems like it is sometimes involved in breeding behavior as well.