-Raising Bobwhite Quail-

[TwoCrows]

If your day time temps are in the 80's you can always take them outside and use a heat lamp a night only. They are still too young to tolerate temps in the 70's quite yet. You could just turn on the lamp at night. They really will need heat until at least 5 weeks of age. Heat will be lost through their heads. At the 5 week mark, you can turn off the light at night.

 

[curtis13]

Ok thanks for your help

 

[curtis13]

Does anyone know how to tame bobwhites

 

[TwoCrows]

Bobwhites are pretty nervous flighty birds however if raised from chicks, they can be tamed up somewhat. Handle them as much as you can as chicks, every day and many times throughout the day. Do this until you get them outside. They are still going to be stressed when you handle them but this handling as chicks will at least get them friendly enough to not be too afraid of you or learn to eat out of your hand. Bobs do not do well when handled as adults and can injure themselves if you don't handle them properly. And adults that have were never handled much as babies can actually go into shock from being handled for the first time as adults.

Food is a good motivator for bonding. When they see you coming with a bag of goodies, this will do wonders for their interest in you. Quail love greens, chopped veggies, quartered fruit, shredded cabbage, peas in the pod, corn on the cob, sprouts, meal worms, all kinds of things.

 

[curtis13]

Can i feed 3 week old quail quartered apple

 

[TwoCrows]

Sure! Be aware that new foods are scary to all birds and they may not indulge right away. And don't leave the quartered apple in there all day so that is all they eat. They need to eat their gamebird food at this age, but a few goodies will be good for them. And make sure to offer up some grit too. Parakeet grit works really well or even sand. You can keep a small plate of sand in the corner for them when they eat goodies. You may find them dust bathing in this sand as well. LOL

 

[MrMe3257]

How can I help a broody bob? Right now shes on two unfertile eggs but im thinking of putting button quail eggs under her to hatch them out

 

[TwoCrows]

Bobs can go broody easily, but keeping them broody can be difficult. They may set all day but get off all night long. Or set for a few days and then give up. But you can give it a try. Be ready with an incubator however as rarely do they set full term. Not only does the female set on the eggs but the male will do so as well.

 

[MrMe3257]

This is night 2-3 and so far so good but ive no males present only button quails both sexes and one other bob hen. They built the nest when I gave them a clump of grass to eat. If all goes well I was planning on getting a male in autumn/winter and see if she'll hatch her own.

 

[TwoCrows]

Aww...adorable!! Good luck and keep us posted!!