slightly o/t... quail

[pink-angel29]

Ive been offered some quails. does anyone have any advice on keeping them??
I have an old rabbit hutch my oh can convert and do they need much room??
many thanks

[jessmorris]

I've never kept them but I do know that they need a totally enclosed big run which needs to be quite high (over 6') because they take off vertically and like flying! there must be a websire somewhere, or maybe the person who's giving them to you can help?
Good luck!
JM

[RichmondHens]

Have you been offered chicks or adults? Quail chicks are very small and can escape through the tiniest holes. They mature very quickly and can be laying at only a few weeks old. Their lifespan is pretty short though - 1 or 2 years max.

I've not kept them myself but having looked at other peoples they tend to be kept in aviary-type enclosures. They also lay eggs on the floor, anywhere - they don't use a nestbox.

[pink-angel29]

I think they are adults. i have got a run and coop type thing. but my oh said he will build a bigger run as we have loads of spare wood

[Scarlet]

I've never had them either so know little about them although my brother kept them many years ago. The boys were vicious, (more so than male chickens, and would fight to the death) great escape artists, would sleep in huddles on the ground, not bother with the coop and I'm sure his lasted around 5+ years or more - the eggs look great in salads

[Polly Fouracre]

I keep mine in an old aviary, they don't need anything special in the way of comfort. Just shelter from the elements.
Mine (Golden Giants) are fed on turkey starter crumbs, weeds from the garden and occasionally mealworms which are easy to raise yourself.
They lay twenty days out of twenty-one and I wouln't be without them.
Keep plenty of females to a male as the males are, how shall I put it? Of voracious appetite !! The poor little hens will br raped twenty or more times a day!
If you want to breed repacements though one cock to three hens should do though they will not brood their own eggs. You will need an incubator or a VERY small bantam hen.
Surplus males can go the way of all surplus males and be fattened for the table.

[Nicos]

Roitelet has had 2 varieties- one are less agressive than the other- but I can't remember which are the calmest..maybe you could pm her if she doesn't see this thread???

[Hilary B]

My daughter (Corax Aurata) used to keep quail when she was not-quite-school-leaving age. Since her school was a weekly-boarding arrangement (purely for geographical reasons) I looked after them most of the time.
Wish I could remember much about them.
If you are unable to provide a very tall run, make sure the roof is a bit softer than wire mesh. We used the plastic stuff that looks a bit like chainlink (until you realise how bendy it is) but actually has no metal in it. That way if they do launch themselves into it, they won't be injured.

[pink-angel29]

thanks for all your advice.
I have ordered a book on quail keeping, my oh is going to build a run for them
& i should be getting a mixed bunch very soon
p.s any more advice is very helpfull

[Scarlet]

Let me know how you get on - I'm feeling really jealous! Really fancy a few myself

[kirsty b]

I'd love some quail, think their eggs are fab. OH has plans to get rid of our very large pond...wonder if I'll have room for a small aviary and run in the corner of the garden once its gone?
Can already picture the wee eggs hardboiled for school/uni/work lunches!!