The quail-birds and the bees (kinda NSF...sorry)

[Quailerino]

The roos in my flock just got old enough to start crowing a couple weeks ago. In the past week, I've noticed...how can I put this delicately...they're running around chasing and humping the hens like a bunch of sex-crazed maniacs. Just yesterday, over a period of just about ten minutes, I watched each roo chase down and mount approx two different hens each. ...and they're rough about it too! Pulling at the feathers on the back of the hens necks and whatnot...it's not what could be called gentle lovemaking by any stretch of the imagination. I've got two hens already limping...nothing appears broken...but I think their legs or ankles are getting pushed into odd angles as they're being tackled by the roos. Just sprains probably...still...it seems like the vibe in my flock has taken a savage turn...

Is this normal? It's my first flock and...I mean...I knew they were going to "get busy" with each other, I just didn't think it would be at such a frenzied pitch. I'm worried that all of this must be stressful for the girls. They could use a break, right? Are my roos just going through a phase of some kind that will subside naturally? What do you think?

 

[FloorCandy]

What is your hen to roo ratio? I did notice my boys were more rough when just learning, but since it’s after 2 weeks and this is still happening they should all know the ropes. some Roos are rough and some are more respectful. A good ratio is 1 roo for 4 or 5 hens.

 

[Nabiki]

Young roos are particularly... enthusiastic. It's one of the reasons you should have 3-5 hens per roo.

 

[koturnix]

Younger roos are usually overly eager (just like their human equivalents, haha). I'd separate them temporarily so they don't stress out the girls too much as it might delay egg laying. They'll start mounting other roos once you separate them, they don't care if it's a female or not.

Mine calm down in a month or two. I usually give the more polite roos their own harem as their gentleman nature gets passed down to their chicks. Quail tend to be more of the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am nature compared to chickens.

 

[Quailerino]

Young roos are particularly... enthusiastic. It's one of the reasons you should have 3-5 hens per roo.

ok so...that may be my problem. Right now I have four roos and just twelve hens. I knew that I needed more hens, but i guess I didn't fully understand just how important the right gender ratio is. I know a wonderful hatchery near me that's a great source for hens *wink-wink*nudge-nudge* ...but their chicks aren't old enough to vent sex yet. So I'm waiting for them to get a bit older.
In the meantime, it sounds like I should isolate one or two of the roos. do you think isolating just one roo will be enough? I'm worried that if I isolate two roos together, they will terrorize each other, right?

 

[Nabiki]

ok so...that may be my problem. Right now I have four roos and just twelve hens. I knew that I needed more hens, but i guess I didn't fully understand just how important the right gender ratio is. I know a wonderful hatchery near me that's a great source for hens *wink-wink*nudge-nudge* ...but their chicks aren't old enough to vent sex yet. So I'm waiting for them to get a bit older.
In the meantime, it sounds like I should isolate one or two of the roos. do you think isolating just one roo will be enough? I'm worried that if I isolate two roos together, they will terrorize each other, right?

If you keep roos together, they will likely fight. Start with one and see how that goes.

 

[twistedsidewalk]

Hi I just put 23 quail eggs in my incubator it is at a stable 50%, the eggs were to small so I had to modify my turners by sticking paper towels and card board around the eggs on one side. Is this going to Collect bacteria? Is the card board ok? Please help?

 

[Quailerino]

If you keep roos together, they will likely fight. Start with one and see how that goes.

Ok will do! I really appreciate the advice!

 

[Quailerino]

I wonder if it's possible to train quail to use some kind of safe-word system...or a safe-chirp system?

 

[Quailerino]

Alright so...things seem to have improved surprisingly fast! Thanks again for the stellar advice! Last night I played a game I'll call ..."First roo to commit sexual assault gets a month in solitary." Within just six or so hours of removing the game's "winner", the whole vibe in the quail house seemed noticably quieter, calmer, more relaxed.