Uh-oh. Something Happened at the Feed Store

[Willowspirit]

Our plan is to net the pen. Initially when they go out im planning a separate run. They jump like crickets and were trying to fly already! And they're practically the size of crickets! Working on pictures.

 

[007Sean]

Bob's are a little more demanding than Coturnix quail. You will want to keep their water very clean. Feces in the water and feed can lead to an outbreak of UE (ulcerative enteritis). They are much more flighty than Cot's but can be tamed down somewhat if handled or a human presences is around them alot. They also require more space than Cot's. They can not be free ranged, if they escape their enclosure they will be gone, either predators or the elements will get them. HTH

 

[Willowspirit]

Good to know about the water. We check water several times per day but will be extra diligent. Do you add anything to their water? I prefer just fresh, clean water, but if you have other advice I get it.

Since they are so tiny should i grind up crumble for them right now? Do they need grit as long as they are only on game bird starter?

 

[007Sean]

They don't need grit as long as they are being fed crumbles. Yes, it's a good idea to crush the crumbles further, but not necessarily a powder. Place some paper towels down on the brooder bottom and sprinkle the crushed crumbles on the paper towels. I do that plus have a small low side bowl with feed in it also. Within a week, they will be able to eat the crumbles without crushing it.
If you have Nutri-Drench that would be good to add to their water for their 1st week. After that just plain, clean water. HTH

 

[Willowspirit]

They don't need grit as long as they are being fed crumbles. Yes, it's a good idea to crush the crumbles further, but not necessarily a powder. Place some paper towels down on the brooder bottom and sprinkle the crushed crumbles on the paper towels. I do that plus have a small low side bowl with feed in it also. Within a week or two, they will be able to eat the crumbles without crushing it.
If you have Nutri-Drench that would be good to add to their water for their 1st week. After that just plain, clean water. HTH

Thank you! I do have nutridrench so i'll do it tomorrow. I don't have to worry they'll eat the paper towel do i?

 

[007Sean]

Thank you! I do have nutridrench so i'll do it tomorrow. I don't have to worry they'll eat the paper towel do i?

I haven't ever had them eat the paper towels but theres always a 1st time, I really wouldn't worry about it, though. You only need the paper towels for a day or two, they find the feed dish pretty quick. Once they find the feed dish, I start using a regular chick feeder. Same is true with the waterer, I use a drown proof waterer for a week or two then use a regular chick waterer.
ETA - I also have a drown proof waterer with just plain water for them. After switching to plain water you won't need to have both. This is the way I do it, you might find a better way that works for you.

 

[Willowspirit]

Quail are doing well. Have been exploring the brooder and dirtying their water. Perfect!

 

[007Sean]

Quail are doing well. Have been exploring the brooder and dirtying their water. Perfect!

Keep their water clean. Feces in the water and in the feed can lead to UE (ulcerative enteritis). Bob's are especially susceptible to UE.

 

[Willowspirit]

Keep their water clean. Feces in the water and in the feed can lead to UE (ulcerative enteritis). Bob's are especially susceptible to UE.

Have changed it five times today completely cleaning each time. Their job is to dirty it and ours, to clean it!

 

[007Sean]

Have changed it five times today completely cleaning each time. Their job is to dirty it and ours, to clean it!

That's what quail do and waste more feed than they eat!