Square foot requirements for button quail/cage specifications

[buttonbirds29]

Hey guys, im just starting off my adventure with button quail. Im hatching, so they will be in a brooder for a while. However, I am starting to look at cages/runs. I want to put them outside more in the summer but have them indoors during the winter due to the harsh climate. This inquiry is about their indoor winter cage.

I only plan on keeping 4-6 to start out.
I have been reading that about 8 sq feet per pair is acceptable. Is this accurate? Ive also heard that they should not walk on hardware cloth and that they need a solid floor. Ive also heard they don't do well in glass for various reasons. As such I was thinking of the design pictured below without the platforms attached. I would be adding plywood and a rubber mat to the bottom and putting all of it on a homemade well-built table/stand to fit the exact measurements. Would this be adequate for 4-6 button quail?

 

[GodLovesU]

Button quail like horizontal space more than vertical space. I have a trio in a 40 or 50 gallon bin. I have also heard that they need a solid floor, and would recommend one.

 

[buttonbirds29]

Button quail like horizontal space more than vertical space. I have a trio in a 40 or 50 gallon bin. I have also heard that they need a solid floor, and would recommend one.

Thank you! On that note, i have read they may need 3+ft of space above their head to avoid jumping and hitting their heads. Have you experienced this, how high can they jump straight up?

 

[GodLovesU]

Thank you! On that note, i have read they may need 3+ft of space above their head to avoid jumping and hitting their heads. Have you experienced this, how high can they jump straight up?

They can jump quite high. I can’t remember the specific lengths but I want to say it should be under 2 or 3 feet or 4+ feet.

 

[buttonbirds29]

They can jump quite high. I can’t remember the specific lengths but I want to say it should be under 2 or 3 feet or 4+ feet.

Thats very helpful thankyou. I might lean towards a different cage then, maybe even build the whole thing. Im having a tough time finding something prebuilt with those measurements. I appreciate all the help!

 

[Nabiki]

My button enclosure is 4' high.

If you're going to keep them outside, they will need shelters and you need to make sure it's strong enough to be predator proof.

 

[buttonbirds29]

My button enclosure is 4' high.

If you're going to keep them outside, they will need shelters and you need to make sure it's strong enough to be predator proof.

Thanks for the video! They will be outside during the daytime in the summer, but not at night. During the winter they will be inside 24/7. Ive had too many bad experiences with chickens and trying to predator proof. This cage is just for the winter/nighttime. Ill need to do more brainstorming for the outdoor one, but if you have any suggestions i would love to hear them! Do you know what sized caging they can get through? Would hardware cloth be small enough?

 

[Nabiki]

Thanks for the video! They will be outside during the daytime in the summer, but not at night. During the winter they will be inside 24/7. Ive had too many bad experiences with chickens and trying to predator proof. This cage is just for the winter/nighttime. Ill need to do more brainstorming for the outdoor one, but if you have any suggestions i would love to hear them! Do you know what sized caging they can get through? Would hardware cloth be small enough?

You will want 1/2" hardware cloth.

Be aware that if you are constantly moving them, they will become stressed, which at best, will cause your hens to stop laying. It's better to give them a permanent home and only move them a couple times a year.

 

[buttonbirds29]

You will want 1/2" hardware cloth.

Be aware that if you are constantly moving them, they will become stressed, which at best, will cause your hens to stop laying. It's better to give them a permanent home and only move them a couple times a year.

I didn't even consider that, thank you. Maybe they will be fully indoors then, or move once at the beginning of summer and beginning of winter. I appreciate all the help!