Seeking comprehensive information on Bobwhite quail

[PennysHennys]

Could anyone recommend a book about raising Bobwhite quail? I have 21 quail at 22 weeks old, 4 males. A couple of the hens are laying. I had to remove a female today that was part of a trio. Apparently she wasn't the favorite and her head was plucked bald. There is 1 male with 3 hens, no eggs or fighting yet. The rest are in a larger cage all together doing OK so far. I have read so many opinions on how to separate them that I am very confused and want to get this right. My initial goals were to raise some for meat, release some (via permit), and keep some for breeding. I don't want to make a nuisance of myself by asking so many beginner questions. Thanks

 

[Timothy Menezes]

Not a nuisance, that's what this forum is for. My guess is the female you removed was the favorite of the males, which is why she was so over bred. I would assume more females would be the solution to that problem but your the man on the ground, we are just on lookers.

I have never raised Bob whites so couldn't tell you much about them specifically. My friends and neighbor do coturnix quail which are very similar however. Sounds like you are on the right track though. They usually look for about a 5 female to one male ratio to prevent over breeding.

 

[PennysHennys]

Not a nuisance, that's what this forum is for. My guess is the female you removed was the favorite of the males, which is why she was so over bred. I would assume more females would be the solution to that problem but your the man on the ground, we are just on lookers.

I have never raised Bob whites so couldn't tell you much about them specifically. My friends and neighbor do coturnix quail which are very similar however. Sounds like you are on the right track though. They usually look for about a 5 female to one male ratio to prevent over breeding.

Thanks! It is an every day learning process.

 

[007Sean]

Here's a few I have and have had for years but experince and asking questions from 'experinced' breeders are the best resources.
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...&ved=0ahUKEwjfwJfJ_oHiAhUOi6wKHW-2C_IQ8gIIjAM

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...hUKEwiB06S3_4HiAhVLWq0KHapvBq4Q1CkI5gI&adurl=

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...hUKEwi6mfKggILiAhVNd6wKHZrGBgwQ1CkI7QI&adurl=

 

[PennysHennys]

Thank you 007Sean! I absolutely believe the best knowledge comes from experienced folks, just looking for some basics to have on hand. It seems the Bobs are quite a bit different from other quail. I am learning as I go and by reading on this forum, still getting conflicting info on how to pair up males and females . At this moment I have 4 separate cages available. I have 4 males and 13 females. One pair seems to have bonded and have woven a nest from hay and are laying! This pair is in a separate cage.
In the fall, I plan to put them all together for the winter. Do you leg band your pairs? You mentioned that one should keep in mind which ones go together and put them back together next breeding season. Soooo many questions.