New to Quail

[Apyl]

Hello

I just received 16 quail eggs to incubate, I set 15 ( 1 was bad cracked). I have been doing my research , the incubator is at 99.5 with 60% humidity. I picked up game feed and plan to first use a tote bin with the top cut out and screen added at the begining and will switch to a large guinea pig type cage as they grow. Neither brooders have pull out trays so what bedding would you suggest? I have used sand and pine bedding with success with chickens but not sure if these would be ok options for quail. I will be housing the quail in a wood rabbit type hutch outside when it gets warmer. So my next question is, I live in west central Wisconsin so the weather stays cold well into spring. Can quail handle being in the cold as an adult? Oh and I do free range chickens and know you cant mix the two.

Any tips you can give me I'd appreciate.

Thanks

 

[blondechicken22]

dont use pine shavings because quail are so much smaller they may have trouble walking over it. When i had my quail chicks i used sand and just scooped it out with a kitty litter scope and replaced with more sand. once they get all their feathers they should do fine in the cold. I put mine out with hay for the winter and they will dig little nests at night they also huddle up together to keep warm.

 

[Apyl]

dont use pine shavings because quail are so much smaller they may have trouble walking over it. When i had my quail chicks i used sand and just scooped it out with a kitty litter scope and replaced with more sand. once they get all their feathers they should do fine in the cold. I put mine out with hay for the winter and they will dig little nests at night they also huddle up together to keep warm.

Awesome, I was hoping sand would be ok. It is so much easier to use since it can be scooped instead of changing the entire thing. Thanks

 

[TwoCrows]

Quail can handle the coldest of temps as long as they have a shelter that gets them out of all wind, snow and rain. Something with a solid floor to which you can add some grass hay or shavings to for snuggling into on cold nights.

You cannot free range quail (you will never see them again), and chickens and quail should not be kept together. Chickens carry diseases that can kill your quail. Also, chickens are so much larger then quail and an aggressive chicken will kill quail.

As far as feed, quail need their own type of feed. Gamebird food. Something with 24% to 28% protein. Do not feed chicken layer feed to quail as there is too much calcium in it for the male quail and will harm their kidneys.

Enjoy!

 

[Apyl]

Quail can handle the coldest of temps as long as they have a shelter that gets them out of all wind, snow and rain. Something with a solid floor to which you can add some grass hay or shavings to for snuggling into on cold nights.

You cannot free range quail (you will never see them again), and chickens and quail should not be kept together. Chickens carry diseases that can kill your quail. Also, chickens are so much larger then quail and an aggressive chicken will kill quail.

As far as feed, quail need their own type of feed. Gamebird food. Something with 24% to 28% protein. Do not feed chicken layer feed to quail as there is too much calcium in it for the male quail and will harm their kidneys.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the temp tips. I already bought the game feed and knew not to let the quail free range or be with the chickens lol Thanks though.

 

[robopetz]

My quails eat sleep and house with my 2 silkies. They love each other. I use pine shavings for my quail brooder with no problems at all too. Just wanted to share what worked for me.

 

[Apyl]

My quails eat sleep and house with my 2 silkies. They love each other. I use pine shavings for my quail brooder with no problems at all too. Just wanted to share what worked for me.

Very cute! And Hi, I know you from the "other" site

 

[robopetz]

Yes, I've noticed that too. Hahahha. What kinda quail eggs did you get again?

 

[Apyl]

Yes, I've noticed that too. Hahahha. What kinda quail eggs did you get again?

Coturnix Quail

 

[robopetz]

Nice! I have just ordered a dozen of them. Waiting to hatch those. I also have 12 buttons and 5 in the bator. Way too much! Lol