Ratio question

[Peasncarrots]

I have 8 coturnix quails that are about 11 weeks now. I had 9 but one passed over the weekend (it was a girl). Last week, I THOUGHT I only had one boy (so I thought 8:1 at the time). Then one day when I was observing, I saw the known male mating & then simultaneously heard a crow on the other side of the coop. I removed & separated the late bloomer right away (cause the ratio was actually 3.5:1). Up until then, only two girls had been laying for almost two weeks. The day after I removed the extra boy, two more girls started laying.

So now I want to get two more girls since one has passed & one turned out to be a boy. After getting two more girls, I will have 8 girls. My question is, should I still get rid of the extra boy or do you think I can keep him at a 4:1 ratio? I’m more concerned about stressing out the girls again & that they will stop laying. But also sad to get rid of a another boy that I had as a hatchling

 

[Mallards and Quail]

I have 8 coturnix quails that are about 11 weeks now. I had 9 but one passed over the weekend (it was a girl). Last week, I THOUGHT I only had one boy (so I thought 8:1 at the time). Then one day when I was observing, I saw the known male mating & then simultaneously heard a crow on the other side of the coop. I removed & separated the late bloomer right away (cause the ratio was actually 3.5:1). Up until then, only two girls had been laying for almost two weeks. The day after I removed the extra boy, two more girls started laying.

So now I want to get two more girls since one has passed & one turned out to be a boy. After getting two more girls, I will have 8 girls. My question is, should I still get rid of the extra boy or do you think I can keep him at a 4:1 ratio? I’m more concerned about stressing out the girls again & that they will stop laying. But also sad to get rid of a another boy that I had as a hatchling

It depends. A 4:1 ratio is in my opinion a good ratio to have, but if your pen is not big enough, it may be to many males for the hens to handle. It also depends on the temperament of that bird. If he is excessively mating it might be best to cull him. Keep your eyes on them for a couple days and see how they do together, then that’s when I suggest you make your decision.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

I have 8 coturnix quails that are about 11 weeks now. I had 9 but one passed over the weekend (it was a girl). Last week, I THOUGHT I only had one boy (so I thought 8:1 at the time). Then one day when I was observing, I saw the known male mating & then simultaneously heard a crow on the other side of the coop. I removed & separated the late bloomer right away (cause the ratio was actually 3.5:1). Up until then, only two girls had been laying for almost two weeks. The day after I removed the extra boy, two more girls started laying.

So now I want to get two more girls since one has passed & one turned out to be a boy. After getting two more girls, I will have 8 girls. My question is, should I still get rid of the extra boy or do you think I can keep him at a 4:1 ratio? I’m more concerned about stressing out the girls again & that they will stop laying. But also sad to get rid of a another boy that I had as a hatchling

dude, I WISH I had a 4:1. my quails are housed 1:1, but I don't have $70 to spend on live birds. I just hope I get more quails for my birthday.

 

[Nabiki]

So now I want to get two more girls since one has passed & one turned out to be a boy. After getting two more girls, I will have 8 girls. My question is, should I still get rid of the extra boy or do you think I can keep him at a 4:1 ratio? I’m more concerned about stressing out the girls again & that they will stop laying. But also sad to get rid of a another boy that I had as a hatchling

4:1 may work, it may not. It depends on the disposition of the male. It won't hurt to try it. You can always cull the extra boy if he gets too rough.

 

[Peasncarrots]

dude, I WISH I had a 4:1. my quails are housed 1:1, but I don't have $70 to spend on live birds. I just hope I get more quails for my birthday.

Aw I hope you get more quails for your birthday too!

 

[Whiskybear]

If they were getting along up to the point when you noticed him, there’s some indication it might work out. If you’re going to try it, don’t keep him separated too long.

 

[Peasncarrots]

If they were getting along up to the point when you noticed him, there’s some indication it might work out. If you’re going to try it, don’t keep him separated too long.

Since two girls started laying the day after I removed him, I’m not sure if it was working? Not sure if it was stress or coincidence.

How long can he be separated for? I’m getting the girls today.

 

[Nabiki]

If you can put him back in within a couple days that would cause him the least stress. The longer he's separated, the more likely the girls are to treat him like a stranger, which might mean that they gang up on him and beat him up.