So tell me about Gambel's quail

[shelleyd2008]

I managed to get 3 Gambel's quail at a local auction, 1 adult male and 2 babies. I've raised coturnix and button quail, but I don't know much of anything about Gambel's! From what I'm reading, it seems they are pretty aggressive. Are they as aggressive as bobwhites?

Any information on how much space they need, male-to-female ratio, feed preferences, etc., and anything else you can think of would be helpful!

 

[TwoCrows]

They are not as aggressive as Bobwhites, but they are more flighty and flushy. Very nervous birds. They are kept in pairs only and their environment needs to be made private for them. Add branches from trees and hidey places for them so they won't flush up and hit the ceiling or be too nervous in general. They need 4 square feet per bird and will require gamebird food. They are a gorgeous quail to keep.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Only in pairs? I've read sites online that said to keep 3-4 females with 1 male?

Oh, and I know they need gamebird feed, I was just wondering if they had special requirements like seeds or insects or some such. My buttons get millet and mealworms in their diet at least a couple times a week.

 

[TwoCrows]

Gambels are not kept in colonies and will fight during the breeding season so it is best to keep them in pairs only.

Adding other things to the diet will help their mental, emotional and physical health. Greens, lettuces, quartered fruits, cut up veggies, mealworms, wild bird or parrot seed mixes all help break up boredom, help to bond with you and will keep them healthy over all.

 

[James the Bald]

Here is a link for you. Here is another. I suggest that you keep the older male separated until the chicks are mature enough to be sexed. Hopefully you end up with one female.