yamashta
In the Brooder
Howdy, I'm new here. I have quail but they're young and still indoors as my hutch isn't QUITE ready for them (I want to make alterations and want to make them before moving them into it, as it'd probably be stressful to get them used to being in it only to pluck them out for a time while I alter it.)
Please understand that I'm not completely uninformed. I also really appreciate/value actual straight forward answers. I've been having some issues getting these elsewhere so I'm trying here with my fingers crossed. I am a bit of a rambler so my questions may get confusing, just a warning. I'm anxious and over-prepare, and some times come off as grouchy/short when writing. Apologies.
QUESTION #1: What size grit for adults? Grit seems to range in sizes (by number) and I don't want to get something too small or too big. Yes, I am aware they do not need grit if they're on a premade, ground diet/crumbles. I want to provide for them a staple diet with some gamebird seed mix, greens, etc. for variation/enrichment, which means they will need grit. I need to know what size grit. A measurement would help, however I am a bit numerologically impaired so bear with me.
QUESTION #2: The hutch I have was not built by me, I inherited it already assembled. The floor is 1/4" grid wire. I am not fond of this and don't think it'll work with droppings passing through. I've seen people say that 1/2" grid wire is better, or 1/2"x1" grid wire, and some people say it needs to be pvc/vinyl coated to prevent issues. What say you about this? Would love input/feedback.
QUESTION #3: I am not DIY handy/savvy when it comes to anything involving cutting, measuring, etc. so a lot of what I am looking at is premade (which I am aware is more expensive). Do you have any premade suggestions for things such as low/no waste feeders, low/no mess watering systems, 'coop' lighting, etc? The hutch is about 6 feet tall and is open air wire for about 4 feet, then has an enclosed 1-2 foot 'coop' box that is enclosed. Would love some lighting suggestions that are relatively easy to install and safe (low/no risk of fire). This hutch has a thermostat with a timer, however I need to reattach a plug to it as I believe the cord was ran over by a lawn mower a long time ago (oops!)
QUESTION #4: What should I line the 'coop' box with? Should I make a pan for it to put substrate in so it's easier to clean? It's wood in the bottom. Another aspect of the design I'm not terribly fond of but I feel like I can work with it.
QUESTION #5: General husbandry suggestions/tips/etc would be lovely (including brooding information). I am doing this on my back patio, I live in a more suburb/borderline rural area in a city, so things that are relevant to that are great.
Disclosure: I do not drive. I really, really value utilizing online sources for products. Additionally, there are no nearby TSC, Coastal, or Wilco. There is a very small family owned feed store not far from here that I could take a bus to, but what they have is somewhat limited. Additionally I lack a lot of tools, which is part of why I want premade.
Thanks in advance!
Please understand that I'm not completely uninformed. I also really appreciate/value actual straight forward answers. I've been having some issues getting these elsewhere so I'm trying here with my fingers crossed. I am a bit of a rambler so my questions may get confusing, just a warning. I'm anxious and over-prepare, and some times come off as grouchy/short when writing. Apologies.
QUESTION #1: What size grit for adults? Grit seems to range in sizes (by number) and I don't want to get something too small or too big. Yes, I am aware they do not need grit if they're on a premade, ground diet/crumbles. I want to provide for them a staple diet with some gamebird seed mix, greens, etc. for variation/enrichment, which means they will need grit. I need to know what size grit. A measurement would help, however I am a bit numerologically impaired so bear with me.
QUESTION #2: The hutch I have was not built by me, I inherited it already assembled. The floor is 1/4" grid wire. I am not fond of this and don't think it'll work with droppings passing through. I've seen people say that 1/2" grid wire is better, or 1/2"x1" grid wire, and some people say it needs to be pvc/vinyl coated to prevent issues. What say you about this? Would love input/feedback.
QUESTION #3: I am not DIY handy/savvy when it comes to anything involving cutting, measuring, etc. so a lot of what I am looking at is premade (which I am aware is more expensive). Do you have any premade suggestions for things such as low/no waste feeders, low/no mess watering systems, 'coop' lighting, etc? The hutch is about 6 feet tall and is open air wire for about 4 feet, then has an enclosed 1-2 foot 'coop' box that is enclosed. Would love some lighting suggestions that are relatively easy to install and safe (low/no risk of fire). This hutch has a thermostat with a timer, however I need to reattach a plug to it as I believe the cord was ran over by a lawn mower a long time ago (oops!)
QUESTION #4: What should I line the 'coop' box with? Should I make a pan for it to put substrate in so it's easier to clean? It's wood in the bottom. Another aspect of the design I'm not terribly fond of but I feel like I can work with it.
QUESTION #5: General husbandry suggestions/tips/etc would be lovely (including brooding information). I am doing this on my back patio, I live in a more suburb/borderline rural area in a city, so things that are relevant to that are great.
Disclosure: I do not drive. I really, really value utilizing online sources for products. Additionally, there are no nearby TSC, Coastal, or Wilco. There is a very small family owned feed store not far from here that I could take a bus to, but what they have is somewhat limited. Additionally I lack a lot of tools, which is part of why I want premade.
Thanks in advance!