Quail in sub-zero climate?

[goodeggsforyou]

We've had chickens, and I became tired of worrying for them as it get to -40 sometimes where we live, so we got rid of them. We miss them though and are considering getting quail as I've read they tolerate cold better. Sounds like wind is their greatest enemy so here are some simple minded questions: 1) Are quail smart enough to go in the coop when its too windy or wet outside? 2) Will they go up the ramp of our coop as our chickens did? 3) Can you free range them and then have them follow you back into the coop for the evening? Never having been around them I don't know their smarts level. I'm guessing as smart or smarter than chickens? If anyone has kept them successfully in temps as cold as these, I'd sure appreciate any input.

 

[CliftonQuail]

I've never kept chicken, but others on here have said that quail are stupider. They aren't really good for free ranging. If their enclosure has sheltered areas, they'll probably go there during wind or rain, but they don't typically use ramps. I live in Texas and have kept quail in my garage and in a spare bedroom so I haven't had to deal with extreme cold or heat. They've been in cages and never intentionally let wander free. The cage in the spare bedroom was previously used for a chinchilla and has three or four levels. Those birds did use the ramps, but they were shallow.

 

[aimee750]

Quail do fine with very cold temperatures. Make sure they have a dry area out of the wind and they will be good. I have never tried a ramp with my quail, I have always had their house at ground level. You can never let them free range as they will just leave.

 

[Nabiki]

We've had chickens, and I became tired of worrying for them as it get to -40 sometimes where we live, so we got rid of them. We miss them though and are considering getting quail as I've read they tolerate cold better. Sounds like wind is their greatest enemy so here are some simple minded questions: 1) Are quail smart enough to go in the coop when its too windy or wet outside? 2) Will they go up the ramp of our coop as our chickens did? 3) Can you free range them and then have them follow you back into the coop for the evening? Never having been around them I don't know their smarts level. I'm guessing as smart or smarter than chickens? If anyone has kept them successfully in temps as cold as these, I'd sure appreciate any input.

1 - Quail do not go to coops. They do better with many small shelters in their enclosure.
2 - Quail are ground birds, and while some may learn to use a ramp, others won't.
3 - If you free range your quail, you are likely to never see them again. They don't have a homing instinct, they will not follow you, and EVERYTHING likes to eat them.

As long as they are dry, out of the wind, and can keep their feet warm, they can handle very cold temperatures. Mine were exposed to -7F this year and did fine.

 

[catesquire]

We hit -40 a few days every year in my area, and the local I got my eggs from said he's never had problems. He keeps his in a sort of quail shed so the wind and snow can't reach them.

 

[goodeggsforyou]

I've never kept chicken, but others on here have said that quail are stupider. They aren't really good for free ranging. If their enclosure has sheltered areas, they'll probably go there during wind or rain, but they don't typically use ramps. I live in Texas and have kept quail in my garage and in a spare bedroom so I haven't had to deal with extreme cold or heat. They've been in cages and never intentionally let wander free. The cage in the spare bedroom was previously used for a chinchilla and has three or four levels. Those birds did use the ramps, but they were shallow.

Thanks so much for the information!

 

[goodeggsforyou]

Quail do fine with very cold temperatures. Make sure they have a dry area out of the wind and they will be good. I have never tried a ramp with my quail, I have always had their house at ground level. You can never let them free range as they will just leave.

Very good to know. Thank you!

 

[goodeggsforyou]

We hit -40 a few days every year in my area, and the local I got my eggs from said he's never had problems. He keeps his in a sort of quail shed so the wind and snow can't reach them.

Thank you!

 

[goodeggsforyou]

1 - Quail do not go to coops. They do better with many small shelters in their enclosure.
2 - Quail are ground birds, and while some may learn to use a ramp, others won't.
3 - If you free range your quail, you are likely to never see them again. They don't have a homing instinct, they will not follow you, and EVERYTHING likes to eat them.

As long as they are dry, out of the wind, and can keep their feet warm, they can handle very cold temperatures. Mine were exposed to -7F this year and did fine.

 

[goodeggsforyou]

Thanks so much! 1 - Would a tarp wrapped cyclone fence be enough shelter do you suppose if we were to place a heat lamp for those times when it gets -10 to -40? I realize this is likely a guess on anyones part but thoughts are definitely appreciated. 2 - How would you suggest keeping their feet warm on frozen ground? Would scattered straw be enough?