Town Quail and laying

[cathalmire]

Hi i have 3 Quail in a hutch plenty of food and water all seem happy but have not any eggs yet there few months old. But i wonder if because i live in a town with dogs barking would that spook them stopping them from laying?
It cud be just the hours of light im hoping.

 

[Nabiki]

Coturnix quail usually start laying at 6 weeks provided they're getting enough light and are happy.

There are several things that can stop them from laying.
Not enough light. They need 14-16 hours of light per day.
Too many males. One male per pen with three to five hens is the general rule.
Predators hanging around. Give them plenty of hiding places and a predator proof enclosure.

The barking dogs might be an issue if they're too close, but shouldn't be an issue otherwise.

 

[cathalmire]

I think its the hrs of light i installed a timer light for few extra hrs as were i live its only getting 11- 12 hrs. There old should all be females no as they dont fight or attack each other as my other quails did.

 

[Nabiki]

It sounds like light to me. 11-12 hours isn't enough for most to lay. There are exceptions. I had one hen lay almost every day all winter, but that's 1 out of almost 30.

 

[cathalmire]

Ok thank you. I have put the red lamp on again in the nesting box and they are going in there more now. I hope now that the good weather is back they start to lay i have heard one crowing so one is a male. I would like to use natural light but they would only get so much were i live

 

[cathalmire]

Got my 1st eggs today at last