Starters Check List

[Ulladh]

First time poster, long time stalker in the shadows of this forum! I've always loved birds but unfortunately at a stage in life where I dont have massive space for larger birds like chickens and ducks. I do have space tho for quail.

Im going to get only a few, and want a portable cage area that I can move the around from inside to outside when I can supervise.

Ill be doing the wire mesh bottom with treated timber rectangular frame. Seen plenty of examples online etc and know of dangers such as flying up and bumping heads etc. I was also thinking keeping the doors small and to the outside as they seem very flighty! What gauge of mesh is usually best for regular cortunix?

I still need to source some high protein food but know plenty of agri stockists, one of whom I know very well as were on a farm.

Long term I wan to raise them for meat and eggs, Im a Butcher by trade so selling MAY be an option but not my main motive at all.

Also for watering, do small furries drinkers work or do they need a bowl? Any general medicines etc I need to get started with as and when needed for emergencies or even just for worming/lice etc?

Just want to bounce my thought of you guys first before I leaped in is all! Any photos too of setups would be great!

 

[dc3085]

First time poster, long time stalker in the shadows of this forum! I've always loved birds but unfortunately at a stage in life where I dont have massive space for larger birds like chickens and ducks. I do have space tho for quail.

Im going to get only a few, and want a portable cage area that I can move the around from inside to outside when I can supervise.

Ill be doing the wire mesh bottom with treated timber rectangular frame. Seen plenty of examples online etc and know of dangers such as flying up and bumping heads etc. I was also thinking keeping the doors small and to the outside as they seem very flighty! What gauge of mesh is usually best for regular cortunix?

I still need to source some high protein food but know plenty of agri stockists, one of whom I know very well as were on a farm.
Most feed stores carry high protein turkey starter (which is acceptable) if they don't carry game bird starter or feed.

Long term I wan to raise them for meat and eggs, Im a Butcher by trade so selling MAY be an option but not my main motive at all.
You'll need to look into USDA exemptions if you haven't, before you try selling any processed birds.

Also for watering, do small furries drinkers work or do they need a bowl? Any general medicines etc I need to get started with as and when needed for emergencies or even just for worming/lice etc?

My birds use nipple waterers that are essentially the same thing so it would. I don't use any medicines including wormers unless I see a direct need for it. Keep some painkiller free neosporin on hand for wounds though.

Just want to bounce my thought of you guys first before I leaped in is all! Any photos too of setups would be great!

 

[Ulladh]

Thanks DC, Im based in Northern Ireland so know my local laws and HO's. Ill keep an eye out for the nipple drinkers and some raised feeders or just chick feeders to prevent too much waste? I have a source for birds around 360/380 gram hens and 15/17 gram eggs, whats that like?

 

[kingmt]

I know you didn't ask me but yeah that is a nice bird for coturnix. I've seen a little bigger but not by much. I also love the nipple waters.

 

[dc3085]

Thats pretty good sized for your side of the pond. Our jumbos get quite a bit bigger but that size comes with mobility issues and bumblefoot as the birds age. Birds under 400g will cause you a lot less problems in that dept. My 400-450g breeders are a headache at times honestly.