Quail cages

[dimi]

Looking to build a couple of cages for about 20-25 pharaoh quail.
Going to keep them in the basement (with ventilation). Originally I planned to build the cages myself out of wood and wire mesh but now I am having second thoughts. I read up on forums here that a lot of people like rabbit cages for their quail.
I could not find any on craigslist in my area but Tractor Supply has cages for about $45 (http://www.tractorsupply.com/product__10151_-1_10001_230002) MidWest

Homes for Pets Wabbitat, 37 in. W

It looks like a good deal and I wonder if I can really beat that price by making my own. The only concern I have if those cages are flimsy. I heard quail can jump when scared, so I don't want them to break it eventually.

Anyone built cages strictly out of wire mesh with a good solution to clean them?

Thanks,
Dimi

 

[thinkloically]

If you want to get that cage from tractor supply, you might need 3-5 of those. It would be cheaper and more efficient to make a cage out of wood and wire. I'm keeping my quail in a big clear plastic container (100+ Gallon) and cutting squares in it and making mesh windows. Pharaoh quail won't knock their head that much because they don't try to fly that much. If you kept bobwhite, then you would need room for height.For cleaning just use sand for the bedding and take a scoop every once and a while and scoop out the poo. Hope this Helps!

Best Regards,

Le Quail Guy.

 

[SliderShooter]

If you are going to buy a cage, I would just buy a cage designed for quail.

 

[dimi]

SliderShooter, any place you would recommend?

 

[dimi]

thinkloically, thanks for the suggestion about the height. I am leaning towards building my own, I have some time to research by the time weekend starts.
I like Quail Jailer's cages on this page: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/898085/feed-waste/10 - they look simple to make and pretty functional. I will probably shoot for something similar.

 

[SliderShooter]

GQF is the only place I know that still makes quail cages. They are not cheap but they are well made and work great. I prefer to make my own but it helps if you are handy with construction. You can purchase some welded wire and simply copy the GQF design. Another idea is to copy a design from someone here, like you suggested. No need to re-invent the wheel, so to speak. After you make a few cages you can make some adjustments to meet your needs.

 

[dimi]

Thanks, SliderShooter. Do you know if its advisable to make the cages out of treated wood? Mine are going to be in the garage, so not much weather effecting the cages from the outside. Although quail's droppings (just like any other) are somewhat toxic. I am wondering if treated wood would impact quail's health if they pick it.

 

[Sill]

I would not suggest treated wood. Pressure treated wood is made so the wood will not rot from bacteria or fungus when it gets wet. I think termites also avoid it. However it is impregnated with arsenic. Arsenic is toxic to most life, hence microbes won't grow on it and insects avoid it, but is also toxic to us and to our birds. Don't use treated wood for animal enclosures or garden structure for growing food.
http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregistration/cca/cca_qa.htm

 

[dimi]

Thanks for the info, Sill, I will stay away from the treated wood then.

 

[thinkloically]

Glad I could help!