Will this work for quail?

[Unknowen]

So I'm considering getting quail. Probably not in the very near future, but maybe within a year. Would a pen like this work for quail if I were to build a dry shelter inside it where they can get up off the ground if it rains? The pen was originally used to keep my little chickens in before I let them free range, it's welded wire reinforced with chicken wire with a welded wire top (I think the current top might be a problem). Since the little chickies are all grown up I was hoping we might be able to use the pen for something else. There are currently NO plans to actually put quail in here now, this is all hypothetical for the time being.

 

[JJSS89]

It would hold them. They will probably be killed in it though. They like to dust bathe along the edges and aren't smart enough to move when a raccoon comes along to dismember them through the wire. Also, the 2x4 welded wire will allow minks, skunks, packrats, rats, weasels into the pen.

BTW, quail don't get off the ground. I think Valley Quail roost most of the time but the rest are strictly ground dwellers.

 

[Unknowen]

You think critters could get in through the double layer of welded wire/chicken wire? Or through the "roof" of welded wire?

 

[JJSS89]

Well raccoons will reach in through the sides but the rest I mentioned will sneak in through the top.

 

[Unknowen]

Will quail "roost" at night like chickens? Like if I build them a secure shelter in there will they go in at night so I can lock them up then let them out in the morning?

 

[JJSS89]

They might go in when cold but I don't think so otherwise. Not my coturnix anyway. They seem to just sleep the same as they lay...wherever it falls.

I am by no means an expert but this is my observation.