Thinking about getting quail

[Maiahr]

I also like Slightly Redneck channel, good info there. I keep my Coturnix outside kind of free range, in a cage with a PVC hat, which I only put on when it's windy. In terms of light this will be my first winter with quails so I am experimenting how dark could they cope with and still lay eggs. So far 11 hours of natural daylight, no additional light and they are still laying eggs.

 

[Duck_life]

I only have Coturnix quail so I cannot compare with other types of quail and I wouldn't recommend them as pets especially so many. If they are a couple it would be much easier to break them. Have you considered pheasants?

Yes, reason I was thinking so much is because that's the stores lowest limit, I've had ring-tail pheasants before but that was when I was around 7. I wanted to get pheasants in the summer.

 

[CindyinSD]

I also like Slightly Redneck channel, good info there. I keep my Coturnix outside kind of free range, in a cage with a PVC hat, which I only put on when it's windy. In terms of light this will be my first winter with quails so I am experimenting how dark could they cope with and still lay eggs. So far 11 hours of natural daylight, no additional light and they are still laying eggs.

I’d love to see a photo or two of your setup, Maiahr.

 

[muddy75]

Yes, reason I was thinking so much is because that's the stores lowest limit, I've had ring-tail pheasants before but that was when I was around 7. I wanted to get pheasants in the summer.

many states require game breeder permit to own bobs and/or ringneck pheasant.....very few require permit for coturnix and ornamental pheasants. so definitely check on requirements for your state when choosing breeds.

 

[Duck_life]

many states require game breeder permit to own bobs and/or ringneck pheasant.....very few require permit for coturnix and ornamental pheasants. so definitely check on requirements for your state when choosing breeds.

The breeder I go to sells them with papers stating where they were from, how many, and how much it costs. I do not require anything as many friends have acquired them with something like that. i'll still check though.

 

[Duck_life]

Bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasants are native to PA, you only need a permit to hunt them. You need a paper stating you bought it not took it from the wild if you buy one from a breeder (usual requirement in PA for game fowl native to PA)

 

[muddy75]

Bobwhite quail and ring-neck pheasants are native to PA, you only need a permit to hunt them. You need a paper stating you bought it not took it from the wild if you buy one from a breeder (usual requirement in PA for game fowl native to PA)

that’s good.....here in Indiana I had to get a $15 permit and allow CO to come in for inspection before my permit was approved.

 

[Maiahr]

@CindyinSD it is nothing spectacular, literally cage with a PVC hat. I am a DYI person and not a professional, so I don't like complicated things. Have a waterer and an automated feeder which is not on the picture- it is an automated aquarium fish tank feeder which I'm using for the quails when I'm away for several days. But now I have baby chicken and I cannot travel, so I removed the automatic feeder.

 

[CindyinSD]

I was trying to figure out what a “pvc hat” would look like. That’s an excellent name for it. I’d have said “I drape a piece of poly over the top.” WAY more words and not nearly as descriptive. Language is such an interesting thing.

Anyway, it’s very reassuring to know that such a simple system works for you. It makes keeping quail that much more accessible. Thanks!

 

[le_bwah]

I've had good luck with Coturnix in an aviary, and have heard of people successfully raising dozens of quail in a flight pen setting.

But I really can't see 50 of any animal making for a personable or entertaining pet .
If you want a good amount of eggs without crowding them so badly they don't exhibit natural behavior, I'd recommend 20 or fewer Coturnix hens (males are trouble, unless you need to breed them) at 3-5 square feet per bird—that's close to the ratio that's worked for me, anyways.