Would my coturnix enjoy toys?

[Hidstead09]

My husband and I have started raising some coturnix, and love making our little quail happy! They get treats from the garden, a daily helping of meal worms, cat food bits, and to scower the deck for bugs daily. Is there more I can do to give them happy little lives? Toys maybe? I heard they like shiny, so i originally had some mirrors, and reversed cds, but they didnt seem to care. Any ideas?

 

[Whittni]

I jut got my first pair of quail and they really love this little log they have. It's hollow and they like to hop on it and go through, maybe try that or tunnel toys. They sound entertained though.

 

[Hidstead09]

Oh, thats a good idea! Maybe those cheap plastic rabbit igloos or something? I have a little hen.who loves to hide in my husbands deck plants when they have their afternoon roam! Im sure she will love it!

 

[Quailsong]

As long as it doesn't startle them, they seem to like a variety of toys. I would think reflective things may cause them some alarm & bells as well. But little tunnels, hideaways, 'treasure chests' (like toilet paper rolls with treats hidden in them) would be very welcome. Fruit on string and BOSS hidden in the litter would also give them some entertainment.

 

[Hidstead09]

Ive never herd of BOSS? We have been talking about breeding live mealworms for them. Throw some small ones out at night for a little treat on the deck. Also put an order in for some bamboo reed fencing. Definatly want to make them feel safe, so maybe it will feel more like a grassy field, than a layer cage. Lol

 

[Quailsong]

BOSS stands for Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. You see them often in wild birdseed mixes. They can also be bought in 25lb bags for $10 or less. They'll make your quail (and chicken) go crazy as they're a big treat.

 

[Hidstead09]

Oh boy! =) My mom keeps a huge barrel of all sorts of seeds for her 20 or so pigeons. Are any types of seed bad for quail? Is it possible to make my quail too fat? Very new at quail.

 

[veggiecanner]

wading pools and dust bathes , bunches of grass with seed heads tied to the side of their cages.
I didn't think they could eat whole BOSS. I'll have to try again.

 

[Whittni]

Mine love the parakeet food as a treat.

 

[Hidstead09]

Oh, that might be fun. Such small seeds, probably easier to swallow, lol. we all just had a lively afternoon on the deck. The quail turned a rain filled rubbermate tub into their own personal bird bath. Geuss i know what to get them next! One of my little roos tripped right in the first time, then couldnt get enough.