Quail not laying?

[glewis121]

So a month ago i bought 10 coturnix quail from a local breeder. They are roughly 8-10 weeks old. They layed for the first 2 weeks i had them no problem.

They are in 2 connected rabbit cages.


And then 1 of them died mysteriously. Found its body in the cage with head missing? The only thought is a weasel got to it.

I am located in MA and its is getting cold out. I brought them inside into my garage yesterday.

It has been 2 weeks since they layed a SINGLE egg.

I am feeding them 16% protein layer mash which they appear to LOVE!

I am also putting the lights on in the garage for 12-14 hours a day.



Any suggestions?


I am in the processes of ordering a bator for my chickens and quail so i want some eggs to put in the bator!!!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Moving them into the garage would cause them to stop laying, plus they need more than 16% protein. Wait on the move part of it, but increase the protein ASAP. Also, they need at least 14 hours of light a day, no less than that.

 

[glewis121]

What protein % is the minimum? Can i supplement the 16% with additional protein such as cat food?

 

[shelleyd2008]

You can, or you can get a high protein chick feed or turkey/game starter feed. You should try for at least 20%, but the higher the better. My breeders get 24% game bird starter with oyster shells on the side.
It can take them up to a month to start laying again after being moved

 

[glewis121]

ok good to know. They are only in the garage for like 3 weeks until the winter shed is finished. so i guess they wont be laying for 2 months! after another move!

 

[shelleyd2008]

If you move them again, they'll probably wait till spring to start laying again, if they don't already. They don't 'normally' lay this time of year, so since they've already stopped I would be surprised if they start in again. They might, but it's hard to say.

If you really want eggs you should leave them in the garage.

 

[glewis121]

If they start laying before the shed is done ill leave them there for awhile, but if they do not i will move them to the shed and wait till spring.

 

[goodheart101]

I feed mine 28% protein and they are egg laying fools. I cut the lights but they still lay eggs. Must be the amount of protein. I feed them turkey starter.

 

[glewis121]

THEY LAID 5 EGGS TODAY!

After being inside a few weeks they are laying again with a light!

Thanks for all your help!

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Did you get their protein levels up yet?