Quail in sub-zero climate?

[Nabiki]

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?

I hope you aren't keeping the quail in an area solely protected by cyclone fence. Some are small enough to fit through the gaps and it certainly isn't predator proof. I'm not joking when I say that everything likes to eat quail.

You will want to wrap their area in 1/2" hardware cloth to keep even small predators out.

A tarp will cut the wind and will probably be enough if you give them enough straw and small shelters where they can keep their body heat in. You will want to have a thick enough layer of straw that they can burrow into it.

 

[007Sean]

They can handle the -30 to -40°F temperatures if they are protected from the wind, in a dry place, and not on wire flooring. With temperatures that extreme, the wind chill factor is more important than actual temperature, so if you can keep the wind, drafts off of them, they will do just fine. Also, some grains(sunflower, milo, barley, rye, etc) before they go to roost helps keep their body heat up during the night.