Why are my quail eating each others backsides? (graphic images) Need help please!

[Kiki]

You may want to check this article out:
Housing & Feeding Your Quail

 

[JerryDwane]

I would guess so.
That seems like just too many in too small of a space.
Do you have another cage you can use to move half?

Thank you.

That is a littleading small for 20 quail. General rule is 1 sqf per bird. Seem some do .5 sqf and do fine.

So you are good for 8 to 16. On above measurements.

Separate the extra males if you can or butcher them.

Once one gets injured they will keep pecking it. Once blood is drawn the are little cannibals.

Keep the injured ones segregated.

Also watch for one that is overly aggressive. If you see one like that remove it as well.

Thanks. The wife and I have actually thought about a 4x8 movable pen where they could actually be on the ground. Move them every week or few days. Would it hurt? Would the production fall off as apposed to those that are off ground? Just a thought we had as it would sort of be freeranging.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you.



Thanks. The wife and I have actually thought about a 4x8 movable pen where they could actually be on the ground. Move them every week or few days. Would it hurt? Would the production fall off as apposed to those that are off ground? Just a thought we had as it would sort of be freeranging.

Would it be predator proof being on the ground?

 

[JoannaRae]

Thank you.



Thanks. The wife and I have actually thought about a 4x8 movable pen where they could actually be on the ground. Move them every week or few days. Would it hurt? Would the production fall off as apposed to those that are off ground? Just a thought we had as it would sort of be freeranging.

The only problem with that is the moving part. Quail like quiet areas, little change, and don’t like disturbances. Moving them around may cause added stress and therefore decreased egg production. But I’m sure they would appreciate to be on the ground

 

[feedman77]

I keep mine in rabbit hutches and wire cages. So mine never see the ground.

But once they get used to a mobile tractor they should be fine.

 

[wildone]

i have mine on the ground, and coincidentally, also 4x8, and they do fine. of course, i only have seven, but you should be fine.

 

[Diamond Dan]

I agree with the over crowding answer. way to many in a confined area. Once one starts bleeding they all start pecking at the same spot. Usually caused by a aggressive male that turns the rest into cannibals. Separate the wounded til they heal and get rid of the hannibal lechter. In the mean time get a bigger pen started.

 

[DK newbie]

I don't think you mentioned what you feed them? Over crowding probably is the main issue, but too little protein in the feed could be part of the explanation as well. So out of general curiosity, how much protein is in their feed?

 

[Saaniya]

Serious case of cannibalism which often happened due to overcrowding or less space ..
Less space & overcrowding make the bird tense and angry that cause pecking each other ..keep on eye for 2-3 hours whose more at packing separate the angry birds

 

[BobDBirdDog]

They need more room! I'd say at least 20 sq feet of room and I like to oversize so I would double that.
Saaniya mentioned canniblaisim and I would like to add to that..... with those bare back/patches/sores, the birds will most likely keep pecking the others (even in a larger pen area).
As far as I noted/read, no one mentioned food as the obvious is clear (overcrowding), which suggest you have not really considered thier needs.
So Food, wild game birds (quail) need at least 21% protein (meats) in thier diets. Yes quail need meat like protiens (insects, worms, etc). Layer ration pellets for chickens have this and maybe some turkey rations, etc.. but look at the lable and see how much protien it has first! bird seed wont cut it.
Until they stop pecking each other, trim the points on their top beak to a blunt object (not to far back). It will grow back just like your finger nails.