Quail Tractor ???

[chickenjoe]

I was think about making a quail tractor. Has any one else tried this yet. I'm think about making a 3' x 4' tractor with wire on the bottom so they can't get out and still eat off the ground. Is this a good or bad idea. Let me know what you think.

 

[Doc Henry]

I am all about tractors you really have to watch out for fire ants depending on where you live. I have seen button quail and bobwhites in the triangle type tractors and coturnix can live anywhere i'm pretty sure. I say try it if it doesn't work out put some bantams in it.

 

[chickenjoe]

Quote:
I live in NY so Don't have to worry about fire ants. I figured from spring to fall I could keep them outside and let them forge along with give them regular food. In winter I could bring them inside. I have chickens I noticed when they start eat outside the chicken feed consumption drops by about half or more. great way to save money. Plus its better for them.

 

[PIXIEFARTS]

I was thinking about making a little a-frame tractor for my extra males.

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
MANY FOLKS HAVE TRIED IT... MIXED RESULTS I BELEIVE. BIGGEST THING IS MAKING IT PREDATOR PROOF AND THE FACT THAT MANY FOLKS GREATLY UNDERESTIMATE THE DETERMINATION AND STRENGTH OF SOMETHING THAT IS HUNGRY OR A NATURAL HUNTER

AS FAR AS BEING ON THE GROUND --- THAT ADDS PARASITES AND MORE EXPOSURE TO POSSIBLE DISEASES TO THE EQUATION

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
I live in NY so Don't have to worry about fire ants. I figured from spring to fall I could keep them outside and let them forge along with give them regular food. In winter I could bring them inside. I have chickens I noticed when they start eat outside the chicken feed consumption drops by about half or more. great way to save money. Plus its better for them.

DO NOT ALLOW QUAIL TO FORAGE OVER THE SAME SPACE CHICKEN HAVE BEEN ON! OR ALLOW CHICKENS TO GET IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF YOUR QUAIL--- THEY ROUTINELY CARRY DISEASES THAT ARE LETHAL TO GAME BIRDS AND WILL SPREAD THROUGH YOUR FLOCK LIKE AN OUT OF CONTROL WILDFIRE...

 

[Doc Henry]

I would use nothing larger than 1/2" hardware cloth to keep out predators make sure its all stapled down tight. As mentioned earlier parasites could be a problem but I suspect parasites in the soil in NY aren't a huge problem since the winters are so cold, its a huge problem here in Texas and other southern states. You should still move this tractor frequently and keep them on new ground. Remember some of the spooky breeds will flush and whack their heads( buttons, bobs) and even coturnix will flush but are less likely to.

 

[MobyQuail]

I searched and found several posts on quail tractors to revive and this seems the newest. I reserve the right to be wrong.

that being said, I gather that its a worthwhile endeavor, tractor is in my name, I have been to tractor pulls and cheered, etc.

I keep our chickens out at my friends nursery, you can check my byc page- I designed a chicken tractor for them out there.

our backyard in suburbia is nice, chain-link fenced, shaded in places and the grass is green. also guarded by 2 pitbulls Flo and Grace and the pug- Lisa.

from what I have digested here are my plans and with your advice may change.

-3x5 tractor
-1/2 galv. hardware cloth on top and sides,
-1/2 plastic coated, galv. hardware cloth on the floor.,
-I will trim it out with TS over the hardware cloth at the edges.
-the floor will be raised by the wheels to be ~2 inches off the ground. lawnmower wheels cross my mind, but I want something sturdier. I want them to get at the grass but not the dirt.
-one side will be covered with a cedar shake roof on hinges to open that half if wanted.

similar to a smaller one I already built below, but better reinforced and on its own wheels.

appreciate advice.

first attempt-

 

[MobyQuail]

first attempt with feeder.

man cave and beginning of second attempt

second attempt close up.

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
MANY FOLKS HAVE TRIED IT... MIXED RESULTS I BELEIVE. BIGGEST THING IS MAKING IT PREDATOR PROOF AND THE FACT THAT MANY FOLKS GREATLY UNDERESTIMATE THE DETERMINATION AND STRENGTH OF SOMETHING THAT IS HUNGRY OR A NATURAL HUNTER

AS FAR AS BEING ON THE GROUND --- THAT ADDS PARASITES AND MORE EXPOSURE TO POSSIBLE DISEASES TO THE EQUATION

X2

Keep your quail on wire off the ground, no matter where you live, do not try to outsmart those who are succesfull with quail.


GET IT?


If you do not get it, or if you know better, do not cry and whine later when something goes wrong with your quail.