quail cage- i found someone to make a stack cage but what do i ask for?

[lindy]

also i was going to use a divider in the top layers is that a bad idea, was trying to keep more boys for breeding. and i think two girls with one roo is not enough. three girls with one roo would be 3 square feet total for 4 birds. ... would 3 girls with 1 roo be ok or would he be too mean being that enclosed? thanks in advance for all the advice.

who knows i might just down the road find dog kennels and make large quail aviaries.. i just live where it rains alot and coccidia is a big concern.

 

[Nabiki]

what about keeping them until 9-10 weeks for eating? same amount? and when do you start worrying about the boys together? im trying to research when the best time to butcher is and seems like 8-10 weeks is the time line. I found out the parent birds average 12 ounces so they are not large jumbo birds if that makes a differences? i know all figure it out when i actually have the birds, but just trying to see if i can get away with just a four stack plus the brooder and possibly and outside small kennel for keepers.

If they can see or hear the girls, they're going to fight. If you can keep the girls where the boys don't know that they're there, there's a possibility that you can get away with it. The more space they have and the more hiding places they have, the better chance you have of reducing violence, but there's always a chance.

also i was going to use a divider in the top layers is that a bad idea, was trying to keep more boys for breeding. and i think two girls with one roo is not enough. three girls with one roo would be 3 square feet total for 4 birds. ... would 3 girls with 1 roo be ok or would he be too mean being that enclosed? thanks in advance for all the advice.

You can do that if you can keep the boys in separate enclosures. They are social creatures, but you might get away with it if they can see and hear each other but not touch. They are going to crow like crazy, though. Happy boys are generally fairly quiet, but if they're not, they can be quite loud.

 

[FatherFalcon]

Quail Male-to-Female Ratios:
Purpose and Considerations


2 Hens to 1 Roo: This ratio is ideal for breeding stock or larger quail like the 20oz+ jumbo whites I keep. It ensures enough attention from the male for fertilization while reducing stress on the hens. It's also used when assisted insemination may be needed for their larger size.


3 Hens to 1 Roo: This is a balanced ratio that works well for most general breeding setups. It provides enough females for the roo to breed without overburdening him, and fertility rates tend to be strong. Great for breeding quail for meat or egg production.

(I've had the most success with 4:1)
4 Hens to 1 Roo: Suitable for larger flocks or egg production, where breeding isn’t as specific. The roo can still manage, but fertility rates may start to decline as he has to work harder. Ideal for those focused on quantity over quality.


5 Hens to 1 Roo: Good for general production, especially if fertility isn’t the main goal. The roo stays busy, but fertility may drop and there may be more stress for the hens. Works for larger-scale setups where egg production is prioritized.


6 Hens to 1 Roo: As the ratio increases, the roo’s ability to effectively breed with all the hens decreases. This setup can be used in large flocks where fertility rates aren't as important, but it’s less optimal for breeding.