Quail questions

[JacinLarkwell]

Quail will absolutely fly away. I've lost over a dozen to people opening their cages, not shutting them and having them fly out of the barn. Jumbos, maybe not so much because of the weihht, but regular layers, yes.

Quail make a lot of sounds. One female I have will riibit like a frog, growl, cluck like a guinea and sound like a soft, frazzled tugboat. So far, the guinea chirp is the loudest and the growl and tugboat are normal sounds that are usually quiet. Unless they're upset or guineaing, I camy hear them from over 6 feet away. Crowing males are another story though.

Quail are prey to anything. I lost a hen a month ago when she flew out to a magpie. Even in the day time if they aren't covered, they'll likely be picked off sooner or later

I don't work mine, but they also are in wood stackers and don't go 'free range'

I don't see any, but my set up again is quite different so I might miss something.

Jumbo are about the size of a softball space wise for travel, regulars are about the size of a grown males fist for travel. If they get along, a cat carrier should work. If they don't, then you'll have to seperate them. Quail are primitive and ruthless in my experience. They can scalp a flock mate in less than an hour by themselves.

 

[joannas11]

@Ravenlover Waxworms is a good tip, thanks - I'll have a look to see where I can get some.
I meant internal parasite worms - there are some threads on here like this one which are not very conclusive about whether quails should be regularly wormed or not and I'm also not clear on what the impact is on the deep litter if the quail droppings contain the worming chemicals and dead worms. I think maybe I'll just see how I get on without regular worming...

Thank you too @JacinLarkwell - I am quite paranoid about them flying out of the shed when I open the door but I think that's the only risk point for escape. Both shed and run will be quite secure from predators and escape I think (and hope). I am going to try and think about how I could do a double door system though.

I really appreciate all the responses to this thread - I don't know anyone who keeps quail so its nice not to feel quite so alone in this!

 

[Ravenlover]

@Ravenlover Waxworms is a good tip, thanks - I'll have a look to see where I can get some.
I meant internal parasite worms - there are some threads on here like this one which are not very conclusive about whether quails should be regularly wormed or not and I'm also not clear on what the impact is on the deep litter if the quail droppings contain the worming chemicals and dead worms. I think maybe I'll just see how I get on without regular worming...

Thank you too @JacinLarkwell - I am quite paranoid about them flying out of the shed when I open the door but I think that's the only risk point for escape. Both shed and run will be quite secure from predators and escape I think (and hope). I am going to try and think about how I could do a double door system though.

I really appreciate all the responses to this thread - I don't know anyone who keeps quail so its nice not to feel quite so alone in this!

No more then 10% of snqcks is diet (incase u didnt know) and waxworms are higher in fat then mealworms so carefull

 

[orloffer]

So question no 1 - there is just a door going into the shed. I was going to put a board across the bottom that I can step over to get in which will stop them running out but is there a risk of them flying out when I open the door? I obviously won't leave it open but need to open it to get in to feed them etc.

2. It is not a massive garden and we have neighbours on 3 sides. It will be fairly disastrous if the neighbours complain about noise / smell so do you think that is a risk with 6 female quail (no males)? If the deep litter method proves too smelly, I will need to rethink but what I've read seems to suggest it will be a good way to reduce smell.

If you can catch your quail, clip their wings so they can't fly as well. They may still be able to fly somewhat if they really want to, but it will be more difficult. I am always afraid my quail will escape, so I never open the door all the way and try to only open it when they are not near the front of the enclosure. Putting a board across the bottom of the shed door is a good idea. Keep in mind, though, that they are more likely to fly than stay on the ground when frightened.

In general, I have found quail to be very flighty, but my females are much calmer than my males. The females won't let you get near them or pick them up, but they are a bit inquisitive and might come to the front of the cage to see what I am doing. It is very cute! The males, on the other hand, think I am an evil predator coming to get them when I am within five feet of the enclosure.

As others have stated, female quail are very quiet, so noise shouldn't be a problem. In my experience the deep litter method is not really smelly, but it is very dusty. Quail are dustier than chickens, so always wear a good face mask when cleaning!

This is all just my personal experience.
Good luck with your future quail!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I'm starting to think I'm the only 9ne with psycho females. My males are the chill ones.

 

[orloffer]

I'm starting to think I'm the only 9ne with psycho females. My males are the chill ones.

Hmm, that's interesting.

Well, I suppose part of the reason my male quail are so flighty and scared all the time is that they are kept alone, separated from both the females and from each other. The females are so much calmer and happier without them, and the males obviously can't be kept together, so there is no other option.

 

[father0fnine]

How tall is the shed? Keep in mind that when startled, the birds will fly straight up and if the roof is too low, they can break their necks when they hit the ceiling. I think the recommendation is over 6'.

D

 

[Nabiki]

In my experience with various prey animals, the males tend to be calmer and easier to tame. This has been true for me with quail, rats, chinchillas, and even cats.

 

[Xouie]

I'm starting to think I'm the only 9ne with psycho females. My males are the chill ones.

Funny, I’m starting to realize mine are just too fat and lazy to fuss.

 

[Xouie]

Oh @joannas11 one bit of random advice: if your quail decide to be tame, you’ll absolutely want to shuffle your feet whenever you’re in the shed. They are adorable but just not very smart. (I had a devastating experience with my very first batch in a walk-in setup some years ago.)