Building a Quail Tractor Using Modified Chicken Tractor Builds

[LoneOakHomestead]

I have a backyard flock of chickens that are fenced in with two 100ft Premier1 PoultryNet fences put together. After a few months, I've had no predator issues and still have all 20+ laying hens even with leaving the door of the movable coop (ChickShaw) open every night.

We love all the chicken eggs we can get, but we currently buy quail eggs to supplement our dog's diet (something like a daily treat). I was thinking of raising quail, but feel a bit unsure about the housing that quail are kept in (caged/aviary). I'm sure there is an argument to be made about how this housing method is technically fine, but alas.

My thought would be to use a chicken tractor design, but modify it to better house quail. For example, using 1/2" or less hardware cloth instead of 1" to prevent them from escaping or being pulled through. Also, I was thinking of putting the tractor within the electric netting that we have the chickens in for an added layer of predator security. I've been looking at the John Suscovich style and something like the Joel Salatin style. I'm also open to an entirely different style/build based on what other people have done.

A few concerns of mine that it would be helpful to have insight on...

1. Would there be an issue with quail and chickens being run over the same pasture? Are there any common diseases that could be spread or that could create serious issues.

2. Could we overwinter quail in a tractor with proper modifications? We are in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and don't get extremely cold temperatures or frequent snow.

3. What might be the best version of tractor to use? I'm drawn to the Suscovich style because of the extra vertical room, but am more worried about the quail breaking their necks if they flush upward.

Any other advice, guidance, etc. would be extremely helpful!

 

[arianna7]

Raising quail with your chickens sounds like a blast! Modifying a chicken tractor for quail is a smart move.

So, about having both quail and chickens in the same space: there’s a tiny risk of diseases like Avian Influenza, but it’s usually not a big deal if both flocks are healthy. Just keep things clean and dry, and watch how they get along. Quail can be pretty skittish, so if they seem stressed around the chickens, you might want to give them some space.

For winter, quail can handle the cold pretty well, especially where you are. Just make sure the tractor is insulated—straw or hay works great for bedding. Position it to avoid those chilly winds, and if it gets super cold, a heat lamp could help, but be careful with that! Ventilation is key too, so they don’t get frostbite.

As for the tractor design, the Suscovich style is cool because it gives them some vertical space, but you might want to lower it a bit to keep them from getting hurt if they jump up. Adding some padding on the edges can help keep them safe. And definitely use 1/2" hardware cloth to keep them in and predators out.

Oh, and don’t forget about their food! Quail have different dietary needs than chickens, so make sure you’re feeding them the right stuff. For water, go with shallow dishes so they don’t accidentally drown.

If you mix the flocks, rotating pastures is a good idea to keep everything healthy. It could also be helpful to chat with local quail farmers for more tips. Enjoy your poultry adventure!

 

[aimee750]

I raise quail in tractors during the summer, I use 8X10 cattle panel hoops with about 40-50 in each. Mine are covered in hardware cloth. I probably loose a handful from moves but overall have great success raising around 800 birds a year. I do however, cull down to 24 birds for the winter and move them into a shed.

 

[NatJ]

We love all the chicken eggs we can get, but we currently buy quail eggs to supplement our dog's diet (something like a daily treat).

This has nothing to do with how to raise quail, but I'm curious why you want quail eggs instead of chicken eggs for your dog?

 

[LoneOakHomestead]

This has nothing to do with how to raise quail, but I'm curious why you want quail eggs instead of chicken eggs for your dog?

She’s a miniature dachshund, so she the size of a quail egg seems to fit better! Also, she loves to eat quail eggs shell and all while she normally leaves the chicken eggshell.

 

[CliftonQuail]

I've read that it's not a good idea to keep game birds and chicken too close to each other because the chicken can be vectors for diseases that don't bother them, but can be bad for the quail. I only have experience with quail as yet, but I'll tag in @Nabiki and @007Sean to get their opinions.

 

[007Sean]

I've read that it's not a good idea to keep game birds and chicken too close to each other because the chicken can be vectors for diseases that don't bother them, but can be bad for the quail. I only have experience with quail as yet, but I'll tag in @Nabiki and @007Sean to get their opinions.

It isn't a good idea to run quail and chickens together. Chickens can carry diseases that they are immune to or can recover from but will kill gamebirds like quail, turkeys, pheasants.

As far as a mobile enclosure, I have no experience with such an enclosure. Hardware cloth of 1/2" size would be the best for the enclosure. The other 'must have' would be some kind of covered sheltered area for the birds to get out of the elements, snow, rain, mud, drafts. If you can meet those requirements than you should be able to raise the quail.

I'm curious why you want to raise quail for the eggs to feed to your dachshund? It would be far cheaper to buy the eggs than to raise the quail for the eggs.

 

[paintedChix]

I raise quail in tractors during the summer, I use 8X10 cattle panel hoops with about 40-50 in each. Mine are covered in hardware cloth. I probably loose a handful from moves but overall have great success raising around 800 birds a year. I do however, cull down to 24 birds for the winter and move them into a shed.

Pictures of your summer set up?