Quail advice please

[darcyvuqua]

Would like to start keeping quail and would like some advice please

Are the hens like chickens ie laying eggs?

What would you house them in?

And how many would you recommend for a beginner?

Many thanks


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[chris]

I work with a lady who keeps and breeds them mate - I'll ask her for her input if you like. She may even have some fertile eggs going if you wanted to hatch your own.

[darcyvuqua]

I work with a lady who keeps and breeds them mate - I'll ask her for her input if you like. She may even have some fertile eggs going if you wanted to hatch your own.

Don't feel comfortable hatching my own but would be interested in buying a few if I decide to take the plunge


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[MartinRSharpe]

Basic info it is worth a look at the omlet website as they have a bit about them. A lot of the advice is pretty similar to keeping chickens but you need a covered run.

[chris]

You should get some chickens instead! (bigger eggs )

[roitelet]

You need a run covered with fine mesh as they are escapologists!! They lay well and you can only have one cock as they will fight to the death.

When I kept them I found the feed expensive and for the work involved not really worth it.

[Scarlet]

My brother used to be a game keeper and kept them. He also said they were a lot of hassle for what you got in return and more prone to pecking each other than chickens.
Why not a few chickens Darcy?

[darcyvuqua]

Thinking of chickens I had a few about 4 years ago until the army heard about it and forced me to give them up!

I did like them to be honest but don't think my wife would allow and getting up at 0430 in the summer nearly killed me lol


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[darcyvuqua]

What housing would I need and what size run for 4 girls (on a budget)

Think I may have to show the wife who wears the trousers


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[chris]

Chicken coop?

I have one you can have... You'll just need to get it to yours somehow! Van/trailer would be ideal.

[darcyvuqua]

Chicken coop?

I have one you can have... You'll just need to get it to yours somehow! Van/trailer would be ideal.

Haha now your true intentions come out lol how big is it? As I have a ford focus estate! Would it house 4 girls and what could I use as a run? I'm starting to get excited my wife will knock me back to reality later lol


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[veggiechicken]

Would I recognise any of it Chris?

[chris]

Yeah, it's your one VC.

Nah Darcy - wasn't sure if you were on about chooks or not.. but if you're on a budget then you can have that coop.. VC gave it me, but I took some more birds on, so built a larger one.

4 would fit in I believe.. Run wise... static? 2x1 + some mesh!

[veggiechicken]

Thought it might be I'd really like darcy to be able to make use of it - even if its just to start off