Wire for button quail. First hand experiences wanted

[Bettacreek]

My button quail have been a bit of a PITA for me. I have a problem cleaning cages without freaking everyone out. I know that everyone says not to use wire, but, I'd like to know first hand experiences. Has anyone tried using 1/2 inch wire for the bottom? How much solid flooring was provided (if any) and how did they "respond"? One of my birds seemed to walk fine on the 1/2 inch wire, but he was only in there for a hot minute as a test. His feet weren't falling through or getting caught or anything of the sort. Now, I do know about bumble foot in other animals. Is this what the problem is with button quail? As I said, I know that everyone says not to put them on wire, but I bend a lot of "rules" in life and sometimes come out better from it, instead of blindly listening to everyone else. So, I'd like to know first hand experiences. Thanks guys! And, please, anyone who says no wire without first hand experience, I really don't mean any offense against you, I'm just stubborn.

 

[Plain_View_Farm]

Are you originally from Wisconsin? lol
I am the same way though and need to see it for myself most times. I have tried Buttons on wire and they were NOT happy. I was using 1/4" wire at that. Their feet are so tiny and have a lot of sensory nerves in them which helps them detect a predator walking near them in the wild. These nerve sensors are thrown off walking on wire so they are constantly agitated looking for predators.
What I have done besides building my own cages is modifying a regular bird cage whereas I remove the bottom section of wire flooring. I then took pieces of Plexiglas and made higher sides on the clean out tray. (3" total) I cut the opening in the front of the cage and attached what I call an escape guard. You will see 1"X1/2" hardware cloth over the clean out tray.
I hope you can make out what I'm talking about in this photograph.

Hope that helps,
David

 

[CalicoFarm]

The cages I use have both wire and solid floors. I put there water and sand boxes on the wire side. They don't seem to mind walking on the wire and I have had no problems with their feet. I use shavings over the solid side and can close off the open and closed areas when I clean. It has worked well for me and my birds seem to be happy. I'll try to post a pic of one of my cages. Hope this helps.

 

[quailbrain]

I'm with Plain_View_Farm. They are just to small for most wire. It can work but they wont be super happy about it. SOme cages have pull out drawers. You can pull out the bottom pan poo and all and there is wire around it so that when the tray slides out the quail can stay in until to place the tray back in. I find these work best for my situation.