What are good space requirements for japanese quail(one pair)

[Nenad]

Also, how many japanese quails can fit in cage that is 80cm by 60 cm and height 40 cm. Thanks

 

[Nabiki]

Ummm yeah I’m currently running 1 bird per sq ft and I see territorial behavior and will be bumping up to 3 per sqft. So while you may not agree, maybe post your recommendation instead of “yeah,no” cause that’s really helpful ??

Sure, people who raise their birds just for meat/eggs and want pure efficiency will crowd their birds together like that. It works, but I don't think the birds are happy.

I started raising my own meat specifically because I don't want to support that kind of setup for the poor creatures. You can also reduce territorial behaviour by giving them more room rather than less.

 

[Nabiki]

I haven’t done the research on it to figure out the numbers, but when I questioned Zack about it and his research which he ran everything from 1-7 per sqft. Best result we’re achieved using 3-4 and thats not just best laying results. Hard to argue someone who put the time in on the research. I’m running 1per sqft roughly and I don’t like it.

I remember Zack saying that too. I have the luxury of being a backyard hobbyist, so I can give my birds more room instead of less if there are territory issues. Mine do quite well with 2-3 square feet per bird.

 

[Nabiki]

Let's see, that's about 4 square feet total. Once you subtract the space taken up by feeders, waterers, and a dust/dirt bath, that leaves space for two. That will be a bit crowded, but you could fit them in there.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Are you meaning the Coturnix? If so, I'd go with a pair of females at that point, since it would be too tight for a breeding pair and odds are the female would be severely over bred

 

[Canina]

I haven’t done the research on it to figure out the numbers, but when I questioned Zack about it and his research which he ran everything from 1-7 per sqft. Best result we’re achieved using 3-4 and thats not just best laying results. Hard to argue someone who put the time in on the research. I’m running 1per sqft roughly and I don’t like it.

So by your own admission you haven’t done your own research and 1 sq foot is not working. Clearly everyone in this thread has figured out that more space is better and 2 males 10 females is a definite no whether that was a joke or not.

EDIT for clarity, I would say a definite no to 12 birds *in that tiny space specified in the original post*

 

[RoosterML]

I remember Zack saying that too. I have the luxury of being a backyard hobbyist, so I can give my birds more room instead of less if there are territory issues. Mine do quite well with 2-3 square feet per bird.

Thank you @Nabiki for a valuable response, I am bumping up the numbers per sqft on this next batch. I’ll see how it goes and adjust accordingly

 

[Nabiki]

So by your own admission you haven’t done your own research and 1 sq foot is not working. Clearly everyone in this thread has figured out that more space is better and 2 males 10 females is a definite no whether that was a joke or not.

Actually, the 2 roos to 10 hens being a definite "no" is something that I disagree with. It does depend on the personalities of the roos involved, however. I keep 2 roos to 10 hens, and with the amount of space they get (with plenty of hiding places), it usually works. If the two roos refuse to get along, I will replace the more aggressive one until I get a couple that get along.

 

[le_bwah]

Please don't keep animals if you can't do it well. Battery conditions are no way to keep birds if other options are available—not having the birds is an option for most folks. Read up on the species you want, research how other people house them humanely. Be responsible.

 

[RoosterML]

Sure, people who raise their birds just for meat/eggs and want pure efficiency will crowd their birds together like that. It works, but I don't think the birds are happy.

I started raising my own meat specifically because I don't want to support that kind of setup for the poor creatures. You can also reduce territorial behaviour by giving them more room rather than less.

I haven’t done the research on it to figure out the numbers, but when I questioned Zack about it and his research which he ran everything from 1-7 per sqft. Best result we’re achieved using 3-4 and thats not just best laying results. Hard to argue someone who put the time in on the research. I’m running 1per sqft roughly and I don’t like it.