What type of poultry should I get? Give me your opinions.

[chicken_angler]

I want either a few turkeys, quail, or ducks. What do you suggest I get? All I have is chickens and guineas and I want to try a new type of bird. I think they all are cool. Do quails eat a lot? Are they much care? What about turkeys and ducks?

 

[monarc23]

You know im gonna say quails right? Kay maybe you don't but yep im going to say quails!

Coturnix Quails to be exact...but im bias!

You can check out my post about the care and other random info I've found, learned and expereinced about them in my link below.

As for feeding, well I have about 24 quails outside right now in a large rabbit hutch, I actually have a large mc donalds cup that I scoup almost completely full and feed them that a day of game bird crumbles.

Then once a week they get a mashed up boiled egg, or ground up kitten food (protien). You can read more about feeding on my post I made if you'd like.

Their care is very minimal.

Cage, perferably wire bottomd (so they dont walk in their poo). My rabbit hutch is 75% wire floored, and the other 25% is fully enclosed in wood as a complete shelter for them with some pine bedding in there to keep poo and smell down. I clean that out once a week...no biggie.

I shovel the ground under their wire part once amonth or when i feel like it...

I feed them once a day, and they drink out of a dog bowl (yep...). I only need to fill up their water once a day as well.

That's pretty much it......the winters get cold here so I have a heavy duty tarp over their whole hutch esp at night or in bad weather...I open the side facing the sun in the morning when it's nice out though they really apprecaite that.

Hope this helps.

Heres the link to my care post: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1158957#p1158957

 

[monarc23]

Turkeys and ducks I haven't had in years...but i am planning on getting some call ducks again for fun.

Turkeys are ofcourse much bigger birds so they eat more than quail and would need a much bigger space. They can be fun but they also are pretty messy if kept in a coop atmosphere.

Ducks can be loud and messy as well too (esp with water)

. I raised pekin ducks from ducklings (as well as a pair of geese) and they matured up and wanted nothing to do with me. I like birds that are affectionate with their care takers...soem ducks are but mine sure weren't

Coturnix quails are very friendly, like chickens almost.

 

[purelypoultry]

I suggest ducks. They have the most personality.

 

[chicken_angler]

Hey monarc23

I think i will go with quails
How do they do in winter?
Do you have any pictures of their setup?
Thanks!

I can easily make a coop for them..lol

 

[mikeksfarmer]

What do you want? How much work are you willing to do for a new bird? Can you provide a seperate enclosure? What do you want as a return for you new bird, Eggs, meat, pet? Qual will have to be caged at all times. You cant free range them. Turkeys are some times hard to get started with chickens. Only lay seasonaly, may require some space. Ducks can live with your chickens, free range with them. you can eat eggs and meat from all three. Ducks may be your easyiest addition

 

[chicken_angler]

I figured out i am going with Cortunix Quail. They are so cute.

 

[chicken_angler]

They are so cute.
I will build them a separate enclosure.
What noise do they make?

 

[banter]

I have had Ancona, Runner and Swedish ducks. All have been great ducks. I had Bobwhite quail and they were sweet and friendly. I have had Faveroles, and now have Orloffs and Brabanters for chickens. Since I choose to only keep a small number of chickens I have chosen endangered breeds. I have to say they are hardy, range well and are beautiful and friendly. I also have a small flock of Russian Sebastopopl geese (colors) and love them to death! All my birds range and get along.

 

[chicken_angler]

I thought anconas were a type of chicken