Wire vs. wood floor with shavings flooring

[Vintage Charm]

We recently finished a quail coop. We built the coop over the run, using up some dead space by our house and deck. We used wire mesh elevated over dog kennel trays. The top part doesn't seem to be a problem however the bottom run is extremely difficult to clean. I had used straw in the run and now it's stuck in the wire caked with poop. I was able to get the majority of straw out but I'm left with caked poop during these single digit cold days. Has anyone used a plywood floor bedded with aspen shavings? Has anyone tried the composting method that I hear about with the chicken enthusiasts? I'd like to post a picture but I'm new and cannot seem to figure out how to do that yet.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC and the quail forums!

Yes, you can put down plywood and add shavings, grass hay even sand works well. Straw tends to mat when it gets wet and does not make good bedding. As long as you keep it as clean as possible, a solid floor with litter on it works well. The deep litter method will also work with shavings, although I have never tried it with quail. I use grass hay on a dirt floor and have never had any issues with it. Try to keep the pen as dry as possible at all times when you use bedding or quail have access to the dirt.

 

[Vintage Charm]

Okay, I just figured out how to insert an image. With regards to sand, can it be composted or am I just sifting out the poop?

 

[Pineapple]

I have a tackelback question. Hope you don't mind.

Why is it that quail can live on wire floors like this and not get bumblefoot? I've heard that wire floors give animals bumblefoot, but that doesn't seem to be the case with quail...

 

[GrandmaBird]

Vintage try the washable shelf lining that can be cut to size. I use it in my buttons cage and cover it with shavings, I change up some of the shavings every week and then every couple weeks I exchange it for clean liner and then just wash the old one and let dry for next change up. Its just a few dollars at Walmart, it is sold as non-skid shelf liner, comes in several colors too. even green like grass. good luck

to Pineapple: I know that the buttons can not walk on the wire floors or they can get their toes or foot stuck and injury themselves ...

 

[TwoCrows]

Bumblefoot is a term used for an infection in the pad of the foot, stemming from a puncture wound to the foot, either from stepping on a sharp object, living in very dirty conditions or anything that allows bacteria to enter the pad of the foot.

So all this being said, quail can get bumblefoot in any conditions and many time do get it on wire floors that are not kept clean. My quail are kept in an aviary style setting, on a litter floor and never once have had a case of bumblefoot.

As for sand...you can either use the deep litter method with sand for a while, as it does not compost like other materials, or you can just sift it out. The sand will naturally help to absorb some of the poop and works well as a ground litter.

 

[Pineapple]

Oh, OK. Thanks, guys. Is it safer to make a cage with a part-wire and part-solid floor, then? Or is it better for it to be entirely solid? From browsing the "Show us your pens" thread it looks like most cages have wire mesh floors...

 

[TwoCrows]

You can do it any way you like. If you want to go all solid, then do it. As long as you are clean with the bedding, maybe giving it a once over every day, then go this route. There is big controversy on whether or not you should keep quail on wire, solid floors or a dirt floor. It is entirely up to you. Either way you go, cleanliness is the key to good health. Make sure to keep your quail wormed on a yearly schedule. Once or twice a year will keep them healthy.

 

[Pineapple]

Worms sound gross. I will look at Tractor Supply for worm medicine. Thank you!

 

[Vintage Charm]

GrandmaBird, is that a solid shelving not the rubberized one with holes? Everyone, thanks for your input.