Surprise Bobwhites

[007Sean]

I've never had bobwhites, so I'm sure someone else will be able to respond better, but from what I've read I think your cage might be too small, even for a trio. Possibly for a pair as well. I think the recommendation is 4 sqft/bird. So you might be better of building another cage for the 2. pair.
Pin feathers on their butts and backs sounds suspicious to me - if they were buttons (the species I keep) I'd suspect they've been plucked at some point. My buttons usually feather up around the eyes last (wings first, back second). If you post some pictures, there is a good chance someone will be able to estimate their age.
With regards to being skittish, the buttons are as well. I find that keeping them in a cage that is closed on all sides except the front helps. Adding cover in the cage helps as well - they prefer to hide when scared and only fly if hiding is not an option. I usually use fake plants and tunnels (my buttons won't use houses but a tunnel with two openings is appreciated) and recently I tried substituting the plants for newspaper cut in strips to simulate long grass, attached to the cage sides and that works as well. Might take some adaptations to make it work with bobwhites though, as they are much larger.

Edit: Nevermind, Sean beat me to it and knows more about it ^^

DK don't sell yourself short....your very knowledgeable!

 

[DK newbie]

Just not on bobwhites ^^ People post a lot about cots so despite not owning them I feel I have a pretty good basic knowledge. Posts about bobwhites are few and far in between so even what I do know, I tend to forget.

 

[007Sean]

Just not on bobwhites ^^ People post a lot about cots so despite not owning them I feel I have a pretty good basic knowledge. Posts about bobwhites are few and far in between so even what I do know, I tend to forget.

It was 45 years ago, since I last own Cot's
Things have changed since that time.