When can quail chicks go outside without a heath lamp?

[Azazan]

I've had quail chicks(coturnix japonica) for about 3 weeks now. I made a quail tractor outside. I cant wait to put them outside(they poop so much). They've been off heath for about a week now inside at a temperature of 68°f. They are mostly fully feathered.

I live in Europe. My current temperature varies between 20°f low and 50°f high.

I did google this up for quite a bit, but haven't found very much about the subject.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wezdin]

Welcome to BYC! Not a quail person but with chickens you can put them outside once they are fully feathered.

 

[Azazan]

Welcome to BYC! Not a quail person but with chickens you can put them outside once they are fully feathered.

Thank you for the input!
Doesn't it shock them too much tho, going from 68f to almost freezing temperatures?

 

[JaeG]

Once they've got their feathers they are usually pretty hardy. Protection from the wind is very important though. Make sure there's a large area of their run where they can stay out of the wind. They often like to sleep rough, preferring to bed down in straw in the run rather than use a coop. A deep bed of straw allows them to stay warm too.

 

[Azazan]

Once they've got their feathers they are usually pretty hardy. Protection from the wind is very important though. Make sure there's a large area of their run where they can stay out of the wind. They often like to sleep rough, preferring to bed down in straw in the run rather than use a coop. A deep bed of straw allows them to stay warm too.

Oh thats very good information! Is straw needed though? My problem with that is, they’ll go in a large tractor(6ft on 12ft). They’ll be pulled after the sheep pasture, changing location every day. The tractor doesnt have a floor so they’ll be directly on the grass(however it will be pretty short since the sheep just ate it) about half of the sides are covered with a tarp for wind and it has a roof

 

[JaeG]

Maybe give them a tray of straw or pine shavings if you can and that should be where they lay the majority of their eggs once summer arrives. They also adore a dustbath and it's good for them to have somewhere to get off the ground if it's wet.

 

[Azazan]

Maybe give them a tray of straw or pine shavings if you can and that should be where they lay the majority of their eggs once summer arrives. They also adore a dustbath and it's good for them to have somewhere to get off the ground if it's wet.

I can do that, should i cover the box with the straw in it, or leave it open?

 

[JaeG]

It doesn't need to be and they won't scratch it out like chickens would.