Refusing to use shelter

[Quailmummy85]

My cpq are refusing to use the shelter in their outdoor aviary.
It’s been frosty overnight the last 2 days.
I’ve got them since April and they always slept in the run, however it’s never been frosty.
Are they going to be ok or shall I add a heat plate.

 

[Kiwibird]

The concrete path and the brick wall will store some heat from the sun and radiate it back overnight. Does frost form on those surfaces, or not?

 

[Quailmummy85]

The concrete path and the brick wall will store some heat from the sun and radiate it back overnight. Does frost form on those surfaces, or not?

Have only seen frost on the grass in my front garden, didn’t see any frost on the wall or path so far.

 

[CCUK]

When I had quail I found that they didn't bother with going into a shelter. They just slept and layed anywhere. You could put a tarp over the whole enclosure to keep the frost,wind,snow,rain etc of them and remove it when the weather's not so bad. Put a board up against one side to stop any cross winds. They are quite hardy and seem to manage with cold fairly well. I'm not sure how much cold they can endure but so long as it doesn't get windy in there they should be OK. @JaeG and @Texas Kiki also have quail and could advise better.

 

[Kiki]

Can you cover one side of the cage so it doesn't get wet inside their cage?
As long as they stay dry they should be fine.

 

[Quailmummy85]

Thanks, I’ve decided to move them to a winter shelter ( rabbit hutch) so they are better protected from weather and I had what it looks like a rat that somehow got in and stole one quail.
Will reconstruct the aviary on spring.

 

[CCUK]

Thanks, I’ve decided to move them to a winter shelter ( rabbit hutch) so they are better protected from weather and I had what it looks like a rat that somehow got in and stole one quail.
Will reconstruct the aviary on spring.

Good idea to move them. Sorry to hear about the rat getting one. That's how I lost all the first quail I had. You will need to make sure the new enclosure is completely secure and rat proof as they can and will chew through the wood. Put some traps out too.