What can you tell me about Blue Scale Quail?

[SkyWarrior]

I have a chance at buying a breeding pair. I would like to know the following:

1. Price -- what is reasonable for a pair?
2. Temperament? Are they aggressive or docile? I've read several pages about them, but I'd like your thoughts.
3. Easy or hard to care for?
4. Things to consider?
5. I may be able to get a second male. Good idea or bad?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TwoCrows]

1. Depends on your area, but around here, $5 each

2. They are not necessarily aggressive, but they can be very skiddish and panicky

3. Pretty much the same care as any other outdoor quail

4. Give them a lot of room and as a natural environment you can

5. You will not be able to keep 2 males and one female together during breeding season. (Males will fight). Keep them paired male to female. During breeding season, you will need to keep 2 pairs separate from each other due to fighting.

 

[bfrancis]

I've got two males and five females together with no issues in a 3' x 12' pen with lots of ground cover.

They are very skittish! I feed/water at one end and they stay at the other...when I go in the pen for any reason, very calm and slowly, ...its a cloud of quail! You definitely have to watch how the top of your enclosure is for a vertical "bonk" factor.

Known breeding pairs go for more in my neck of the woods...guess it depends on where you are in the country. Keep in mind, they aren't like cots...there is a limited breeding season for these little guys.

You might need to check also if a permit is required from your state's conservation dept. Here in Oklahoma all "New World" quail require permits. (Bob's, Blue Scaled, Gambel's, Californian, Georgia Giants, etc.)

IMO, they are a very good looking bird and enjoyable to watch!

Good luck.

 

[cathunter10]

I keep a large breeding coleny all in the same pen No isues with fighting Mine are not flighty and If your going to have Quail Next to bobs I think they are the way to go.
Bill

 

[SkyWarrior]

Thank you! No issues with blue scale quail here in Montana. I'll be buying from a local guy, so even if I pay a bit more, it's worth it in shipping. He doesn't have many, which means he either hatched them or bought a few to try. But I was thinking this might be a cost effective way to get some quail and start my own.

How big a pen would you recommend for the quail? Any concerns about the cold? I can provide some natural cover for them (lots of branches!)

 

[thekid]

A pair normally costs $20

Do not get another male unless you have another female

 

[mochicken]

I had not seen them before but I googled the pics and they really are pretty, you guys are going to get me hooked on more stinkin birds lol

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
Ah c'mon! They can't smell THAT bad!

Yeah, I was pretty amazed at how pretty they are. I think I'm getting some this weekend!