Video of my Quail - Dust Bathing - And a question!

[MicroFarmMom]

Don't worry - none are minors! LOL! They enjoy the snot out of playing in the sand! And also - a link to my blog to show a picture of the set up - do you think I need to put some chicken wire along the front too?? The top lifts for me to get in so I could just completely close off the front with wire if you think I need to. Also - this free cage didn't come with a crap catcher - I have news paper under it right now - anyone know of a better plan??

Video

http://grubsandloves.blogspot.com/
Picture of the hutch - posted after the video.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[Birdman18]

Wow, looks like they were having a great time in the sand. I have my quail aviary covered with straw on the bottom and they just love to hide, play and sit there. You should try giving your quails I'm sure they would love that too.

Thanks for the video!

 

[usschicago1]

GREAT POST

 

[quailgal]

Agreed, very nice!

 

[MicroFarmMom]

But do you think I shold cover the front with hardware cloth or is it okay? I worry that a cat could bat aroudn through the bars...

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
YES AND THE BOTTOM TOO. I HAVE THE EXACT SAME HUTCH AND FOUND IT NECESSARY TO COVER ALL WIRE AREAS WITH 1/2 INCH HARDWARE CLOTH (ACTUALLY HAD HAWKS REACH IN AND RIP HEADS OFF THROUGH THE WIRE FRONT, AND RACCOONS GET FEET THRU THE BOTTOM. ALSO IF IT WAS LIKE MINE WHEN I GOT IT YOU COULD PUSH THE WIRE BOTTOM UP FROM UNDERNEATH... A FEW DRYWALL SCREWS STOPPED THAT.

 

[Robo]

Yes, hardware cloth all over. For a crap catcher place a storage tub or 45 gallon drum under it. Then mix the bottom with newspaper shreds and barn lime. Works wonders for the smell.

 

[MicroFarmMom]

Well the bottom already has some hardware cloth - but not screwed down - Ill have to work on that. But the front I definatly will take care of tomorrow. Ill also look into a container for under

How do I screw down the hardware cloth - just screw with a washer right next to it and tighten on it? Sorry to sound stupid - I've just never done any of that before!

 

[MicroFarmMom]

Quote:
YES AND THE BOTTOM TOO. I HAVE THE EXACT SAME HUTCH AND FOUND IT NECESSARY TO COVER ALL WIRE AREAS WITH 1/2 INCH HARDWARE CLOTH (ACTUALLY HAD HAWKS REACH IN AND RIP HEADS OFF THROUGH THE WIRE FRONT, AND RACCOONS GET FEET THRU THE BOTTOM. ALSO IF IT WAS LIKE MINE WHEN I GOT IT YOU COULD PUSH THE WIRE BOTTOM UP FROM UNDERNEATH... A FEW DRYWALL SCREWS STOPPED THAT.

Once you screw it all down - how do you scrub the wire and clean it? Do you think my nailing that silly heart thing down to hold that side closed permanently will hold or should I do something further?

 

[Robo]

Quote:
I use these.http://www.bestmaterials.com/detail.aspx?ID=8967