Will quail lay eggs in a rabbit hutch?

[aquav]

So I am looking at getting just a few quail hens for eggs, maybe five or so.
I went to Tractor Supply today to look around and started talking to one of the employees. He told me that quail will not lay very well if kept in a rabbit hutch, even one with an attached run, because it does not simulate their natural environment well enough. He said they need access to a large area with tall grass and maybe a tree stump etc. in order to lay well.
From what I have read online in forums and such, this is not necessarily true.
What are your opinions, experiences?
I can not get chickens at this time since we live in a neighborhood with covenants, which forbid any poultry or livestock. Quail are considered game birds, so if anyone does find out, that is how I am planning on getting around the "law"... Plus, they will be my pets...
Our next door neighbors are fine with it, but chickens might get too noisy when laying and I don't want anyone else finding out.
Thanks for any input!

 

[speedy2020]

You can use rabbit cage, but I would refer 1" x1/2" welded wire at the bottom. It makes less work on cleaning. They are laying eggs just fine. Some males are noisier than other so best to select the quiet one to keep in the process.

 

[Sess]

Quails will lay fine in a rabbit hutch but it is best to have them some solid flooring to rest their feet, I have two rabbit cages right now and I decided to use the old wired see through out during spring,summer and fall and the hutch during winter because its more wind resistance and has an enclosed area for them to get out the wind. (My hutch is the Medium WARE rabbit hutch. if your putting them outside you can get the run that comes with it but it's really expensive it'd be cheaper to make one just like it for yourself. xD Also I think the person you were referring to in the store was actually talking about game bird quail because they are pretty wild in nature and need that sense of environment around them but if your looking for good layers I suggest jumbo brown coturnix quail, they are quite docile and lay an egg a day very hardy birds and they make wonderful pets they flourish indoors or outside. Mine are outside and I have four of the darlings two of my eldest started laying two days ago so their 7 weeks old and the other two maybe 5-6 weeks they are still pretty small. But I defiantly recommend jumbo brown coturnix quails. I got mind for a 1.50$ at my feed store.

 

[veggiecanner]

I use all the equipment from rabbits that I had for my quail. Except I had to replace the water nipples for ones used for chickens.

 

[aquav]

Thank you so much everyone. I thought it sounded a little funny after everything I read online, but you never know...
Sess, you are probably right as far as the game bird quail are concerned. I may not have been very clear on just wanting coturnix when talking to him.
Now I have to wait for the next sale at Petco, which is where I am going to buy the hutch.
Thanks so much again everyone for your help!!!

 

[TwoCrows]

I use some rabbit hutches as well and put down grass hay for bedding. Easier on the feet. Prop up some branches with leaves, in the corners for hidey places and hutches make great quail homes.