Space for quail?

[JaeG]

I just moved a trio back to their small, enclosed cage that is solid other than the door that takes up two thirds of the front that is mesh. They hated being in our aviary. They freaked out every time I went in there and it wasn't for a lack of cover as I have plants, stumps with rotten insides so they make tunnels, brush piles etc. It also has a full roof, solid panels around the bottom of each side and the front, and a solid, sheltered back to it but they just didn't feel secure. One girl quit laying altogether. I may try some young ones in there to see if they are any happier, they just need to grow a bit more first. Interestingly there's a thread about 'treats for quail' and one person said her pet quail that are kept in small indoor cages will try any food she gives them and love treats, but her outdoor quail often won't try any of it.

 

[eHuman]

So... back to my original plans of building a new cage!

I'm going to do several cage/coops that are 2'x3' (6sqft) for 5-6 birds in each one. 4-5 hens to 1 rooster in each coop. That gives them each at least 1sqft of space. I have PVC connectors and water nipples to put waterers across 1 wall, and PVC pipe to make feeders to go along the opposite wall. I'm going to build it out of plywood (or medium density particle board?). I'm just going to attach a picture of the plans I wrote out, so I don't have to type it all haha.

When I started I used 2' x 3' masonry tubs and built a 12" cage on top. This allowed me to use solid bottom instead of wire. Word of caution, these work great in a shed or outdoors but your girls will kick bedding out even with 8" high walls so use them indoors at your own risk.

Here is my original prototype using angle brackets and covering with 19g 1/2" hardware cloth, door opens from the top. These can not be stacked.
All of the rest that I made I used 14g 1/2" x 1" cage wire and j-clips, no angle brackets, door on long side. <-- This type can be stacked



I now use these 2ft x 8ft cages built into the back wall of the aviary. Partitions to make them 2ft x 4ft, and 2ft x 2ft can be inserted as/if needed.