Quail Coop Design - Arctic Climate

[AKQuail]

I am preparing to build a hoop coop for my quail that I will be hatching soon. We are in Alaska so I need to give special consideration to the cold. Our area is cold (warmest being about 35F; coldest dropping as low as -15F) from October through March. I plan on doing deep bedding. I would appreciate any thoughts from those who have experience. My coop size can be up to 7'Wx16'L.

 

[Susan Skylark]

What are you covering it with (plastic, wire, wood?). Drafts, ventilation and predators are all things to keep in mind. I like the idea of deep litter but as we are using pens, it isn’t practical. One thing to keep in mind is eggs. I have six square foot pens that can get 3-4 inches deep bedding and the silly things love to bury their eggs, every day is Easter! They do fine in cold weather assuming they aren’t exposed to drafts, aren’t wet, and have some place to snuggle down into the bedding or together and also are getting a well balanced feed with plenty of Calories for heat production. Eggs and water can freeze quickly at those temps so also keep that in mind.

 

[CliftonQuail]

Are you hatching coturnix or some other variety of quail? From what I understand, button quail probably aren't a good choice for extreme cold, but coturnix should do OK as long as they can keep dry and out of the wind and the other things that @Susan Skylark mentioned. I'm in Texas so will hopefully never have to deal with consistent cold such as you describe. My birds stay in an unheated, but insulated garage and do well throughout the year.

 

[007Sean]

I don't have experience with raising quail in those extremely cold temperatures but if the enclosure can be covered with plastic or some other type of material, wood, metal, or be insulated, etc. so that no drafts can get into the enclosure and have adequate ventilation....they can handle temperatures down to -20°F. If it gets lower than that you might consider adding a space heater or a ceramic heat bulb.

 

[DAttard]

I've begun deep layer method/composting within my aviary. I used a blend of: Autumn leaves, pine needles, garden dirt, pine shavings, hemp, BIO-CHAR, and occasional STALL Dry.
Right now it's 4-6" deep in areas, and I turn it thoroughly every other day and add something new.
I have no ammonia odor, and no mites.

I'm also in Canada. And this deep litter compost if done right will generate some heat.

I've a large clear bin with holes cut in it, with sand & timothy hay mix. And I've 2 nesting boxes that have greenhouse heating mats so my eggs don't freeze.
Otherwise I'm using heated waterer, and pics are of my coop.
What you see tarped in black and blue is triple tarped as I detest wetness on my coop floor, lol. Only front is open, and clear poly on South/West side.

 

[AKQuail]

What are you covering it with (plastic, wire, wood?). Drafts, ventilation and predators are all things to keep in mind. I like the idea of deep litter but as we are using pens, it isn’t practical. One thing to keep in mind is eggs. I have six square foot pens that can get 3-4 inches deep bedding and the silly things love to bury their eggs, every day is Easter! They do fine in cold weather assuming they aren’t exposed to drafts, aren’t wet, and have some place to snuggle down into the bedding or together and also are getting a well balanced feed with plenty of Calories for heat production. Eggs and water can freeze quickly at those temps so also keep that in mind.

Hey Susan,
I am planning on building two, 7'Wx8'L hoop coops (for height, I plan on having netting so we do not encounter the 3-5' "kill zone"). I was thinking it would be best to board off the back panel and about 2' of the sides for cold weather protection. I then was going to do an all weather plastic for the outside. The plastic and wood would be over the cattle panel, which will then be lined with fine square/chicken wire to keep predators out.

As for heat production, I am hoping I can successfully hatch at least 60% of my quail; I am beginning with 25 eggs. I will be hatching in late May 2025 so I figured if I am less than successful I can order more amd keep trying since I won't have to worry about weather.

 

[AKQuail]

Are you hatching coturnix or some other variety of quail? From what I understand, button quail probably aren't a good choice for extreme cold, but coturnix should do OK as long as they can keep dry and out of the wind and the other things that @Susan Skylark mentioned. I'm in Texas so will hopefully never have to deal with consistent cold such as you describe. My birds stay in an unheated, but insulated garage and do well throughout the year.

Thanks a lot and sorry for notnclarifying. Conturnix I will be hatching. I read Button Quail may not be the best for AK due ti the winter as you stated.