Quail survived hypothermia but don’t lay anymore

[Sarahnicoles]

I have my quail in a rabbit hutch that has a ramp with enclosed shelter and areas exposed. It appeared that they stayed in the rain one cold night in Southern California. They were extremely cold and had what I think was hypothermia. I saved them and they seem to be completely healthy, it has been 2months and they are still not laying. Is it possible that they will never lay again because they got sick? The same night a rat dug under their coop and ate many of their toes off! It was a traumatic night for them but they are honestly doing great now other than not laying.

 

[Nabiki]

How old are they? How many hens, how many roos? How much space do they have?

If you have rats, that's most likely what's keeping them from laying. Anything that stresses your hens, including vermin and predators can cause stress.

 

[Sarahnicoles]

How old are they? How many hens, how many roos? How much space do they have?

If you have rats, that's most likely what's keeping them from laying. Anything that stresses your hens, including vermin and predators can cause stress.

I have 4 hens. Their cage is now predator proof, do you think the presence of rats in the area would cause stress?

 

[Nabiki]

I do. Rats will eat quail and quail eggs, and they know it. Do they have hiding places in their cage? If not, adding some will help.

 

[Sarahnicoles]

I do. Rats will eat quail and quail eggs, and they know it. Do they have hiding places in their cage? If not, adding some will help.

They do, there is an upper area they can go in that’s enclosed just like a small chicken coop. I will go put them away and lock them in there at night on a cold night but they don’t seem to like it. And it seems like maybe they are too dumb to know to go up there if they need to. They did not go up there on the cold night or the night when the rats got their toes

 

[Nabiki]

Quail are ground birds. They don't climb naturally, so that really isn't a good hiding place. Mine seem to like the little baskets from the dollar store. I cut two entrances into them and turn them upside down. The quail feel sheltered, but they can see out.

Remember to subtract the space that you use for hiding places from their living area. They should have at least 1 square foot per bird. More is always better.