Quail on Compost

[CluckyJay]

I want to get quail this year and was wondering how well they do at turning a compost pile? I am using my bannies to turn the compost and wanted to incorporate quail in at least one pile. Also, how well do the eggs hatch from the people on BYC? I wanted to attempt hatching some before buying adult or day old chicks. I've only ever raised quail from babies, not eggs.

 

[pringle]

Well quail are really small to begin with,largest (coturnix) are about 14 ounces which is about the size of a pigeon.They can not free range because they will just wonder away and get eaten.They are far better raised in wire bottomed pens because they are easily susceptible to worms and other parasites when exposed to dirt.And they need a high protein feed,about 30%.Also I never really see mine scratching around a lot except when they are in there sand box to dust bath.

 

[CluckyJay]

My compost heap is fully fenced in with rabbit and dog wire except the bottom. Maybe I will raise the quail over my BSF and red wriggler cultures instead of placing them directly on the compost. Hmm.

Thanks!

 

[pascopol]

You wouldn't try to turn your compost pile with cutlery fork would you?

 

[Robo]

Quote:
Some bobwhites are larger...

 

[pringle]

Yeah that's why I had coturnix in parenthesis lol