Newbie raising Coturnix Quail on grass!

[JessiLogs]

Hey everyone. I’m new to BYC but have been an avid reader for months now, fantasizing about raising some birds! I got the chance to contact a local vendor and purchased 20 Coturnix Hens for eggs( my goal at the moment). I put in A LOT of work building my quail run. It took me about a week to build, working hours on it everyday but it payed off! I’m still working on it but would love any advice on what to add to their environment to provide a more natural environment and entertainment!
It’s a 14’x11’aviary style run built with 2x4’s/4x4 posts and ALOT of wire. We made it as predator proof as we possibly could and we think it’s going to be effective. I know its not ideal from a financial viewpoint and I could’ve just thrown them into a wire cage but I‘m a poultry raising enthusiast and I don’t mind spending on it because I genuinely love it!

if anyone is interested I’ll keep updating you all on my journey and hope it helps anyone who wants to take on this approach to raising quail. So far the girls love it!

 

[Fenrisulfr]

First, welcome to BYC, happy you joined !


Very nice build... I love it.

You can plant little fir trees, they Love to hide underneath. Unfortunately they will grow much to high for the aviary. You may need to exchange them from time to time.

Please keep us updated

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!! Thanks for sharing your aviary pics! I keep coturnix in aviary setting as well!! As far as plants go, my advice is definitely something on a stalk (my best plant so far is a hibiscus) because even quail will dig up and/or eat plants if not well protected. you can make little hideout houses out of baskets, flower pots etc. Looking forward to more pictures of your quail!!

 

[muddy75]

@Kiki @Nabiki

 

[Nabiki]

Very nice! I would add some more hiding places for them, though. They like having places to hide.

 

[maadroj]

Cardboard boxes work as simple hiding spots and also allow for jumping on top. But change them out if they start to get moldy. Lavender, rosemary, and breath of heaven have worked in my aviary. Peppermint also survived, though not other kinds of mint.

 

[JessiLogs]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments and advice! Putting in loads of poultry-safe herbs and adding a hibiscus bush for sure! I’ll update y’all in a week or 2 when things settle in

 

[Pandaisy]

Planting some herbs sounds nice! I have only fake plants and a juniper in a pot in my aviary. They love to lay their eggs under the fake plants and I don't have to water them. The downside is, they were quite expensive.

 

[Quailobsessed]

Welcome to BYC!

That coop looks great! Keep us all posted!

 

[muddy75]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments and advice! Putting in loads of poultry-safe herbs and adding a hibiscus bush for sure! I’ll update y’all in a week or 2 when things settle in

I can’t wait!!