I'm sure you would have much rather been at the concert than in the hospital, but I'm hoping that the hospital stay was worth it. After all, you're here!
I saw the Piano Guys in concert and got to do a meet and greet with them backstage afterwards. The concert was in Santa Rosa, CA, and I got to tell them that Charles Shultz lived in Santa Rosa. They'd performed the Charlie Brown theme that night.
I have a picture of me with them. Paul is so...
Quail do flush, but if the top of the enclosure is soft (You may want to add some netting a few cm from the top), they are less likely to hurt themselves.
Coturnix are notorious for flushing and hitting their heads, causing serious injury or death. Buttons flush too, but they don't seem to...
1 - What size are the openings in the wire? Your system sounds like it could work.
2 - Two hens would work fine.
3 - If the temps don't go below 40F, I think buttons would be a good match for you. Coturnix would work too, especially if it does get cold in there.
4 - Buttons are pretty quiet...
+1 on cutting the larvae.
Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a runt, and I have yet to have one of those live more than a few weeks, maybe a month. From your description, it definitely sounds like there is something wrong. You mentioned that the chick needed help hatching. Most chicks...
Here are some pics of things I've made to keep you drooling.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabiki/albums/72157720053339474/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabiki/albums/72157720057185326/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabiki/albums/72157602895118578/
I was at the Grange today and was looking at the cute little fluffballs too. I have three hens, which is enough to keep me well fed with eggs, so I don't need more. I still want svart honas, though.
For starters, there are different species of quail, but no actual breeds. If you are a beginner, I would recommend coturnix quail. They are very hardy and the easiest to keep.
Definitely start with the quail articles that @Debbie292d recommended.