Will this pen be ok?

[creekrocket]

If I build my pen 8'L x 3'w x 14-18"H, how many quail would be sufficient enough to house, without being stressed? Im wanting to raise for meat/eggs.

 

[Quailsong]

The general rule for chickens seems to be 1 square foot per bird. I'd feel this should be the same for quail.

However, quail do tons better (emotionally & physically) if they're given ground & grass to forage on. So I'd def try to include a run area if possible into your plans.

 

[PoultryGirly]

The general rule for chickens seems to be 1 square foot per bird. I'd feel this should be the same for quail.

However, quail do tons better (emotionally & physically) if they're given ground & grass to forage on. So I'd def try to include a run area if possible into your plans.

 

Actually, the general rule for chickens is 4 square feet per bird (comfortably).

 

[creekrocket]

So,,,,With These Dimensions, How Many Quail Should Be Housed Comfortably In This Pen?

 

[PoultryGirly]

I would say around 12 quail. That would give each bird 2 square feet of room. If you don't plan on having a run outside or letting them free range during the day, I would say 6 quail.

 

[creekrocket]

8`L X 3`W Area should Give Me 24Sq Ft...
Reading Through A Good Many Threads Here, It Seems That One Square Foot Is Good For Up To Atleast Two Birds.. Please Correct Me If I'm Wrong.
Thanks

 

[Sycamore27]

Coturnix (AKA Japanese or pharoah) quail need a minimum one square foot per bird, I would leave extra space to be sure that accounts for room taken up by feeders waterers hides and so on. They would be a good choice for a meat and egg quail. You will want a 1 to 6 male to female ratio. If you are looking at any other kind of quail this all goes out the window.

 

[creekrocket]

That Clears It Up. Thanks.
Speaking Of Hides,,, Is This A Necessity?

 

[Sycamore27]

That Clears It Up. Thanks.
Speaking Of Hides,,, Is This A Necessity?

Absolutely. Quail are fairly nervous birds and need cover to feel safe for their mental and overall health. They will fight less, lay better, and get sick less often if they have places to hide. My quail didn't start laying until I gave them more cover and I've heard the same from several other people, and I just used some plastic pet igloos like you see for guinea pigs. Cardboard boxes you toss when they get soiled, fake plants, pots with a quail sized door in the side, or branches propped into corners all work great. Personally I go with what I think will be easiest to clean and won't harbor bacteria or mites, if I had an influx of boxes or plastic garden pots instead of pet igloos laying around I would have done that.
Cheers,
Jessie

 

[Quailsong]

Actually, the general rule for chickens is 4 square feet per bird (comfortably).

I've seen the 1sq/ch and it makes me twitch. 4sq is somewhat acceptable (to me). If I had my way it'd be much more room. *nods*