We found an online ad for Quails. We initially wanted 5 hens and a rooster, but the seller recommended 5 hens and 2 roosters, because it was more balanced. That’s what we decided to purchase.
We arrived at the seller’s house. She came out with a wire cage with 7 tiny quails in it. They were all different colours. She knew everything about the tiny birds, and explained how to sex them, what their different colours were and how much she loved her white bird but had to let him go.
We popped them into their box, which they immediately explored.
A couple of days later, they settled in. We are still waiting for the first egg through.
About Quails
I don’t know anything about quails, so I did some research…
According to Pip Magazine, quails like sitting on the ground at night, and they need little special care other than shade in summer and protection from the rain and wind.
They recommend to have 5 birds per square metre, but it’s better if they have more than that.
Put a 15cm layer of wood chips in the base of their run, and cover with natural sticks, hay and foods that break down in to rich compost. They eat the insects that are attracted to the compost. You may need to turn it over occasionally with a pitchfork.
They need unlimited water, they are big drinkers.
Unlimited access to a good quality pellet in a feeder.
They eat any vegetables, food scraps, weeds and grass.
They love to dust bathe as this removes lice and mites.
They need to have access to grit, small shells and stones to help them digest the food in their gizzard. Finely crushed egg shells can also be used.
Poultry Keeper says:
Rats are the largest problem with quail.
Quails produce a lot of ammonia in their poop and it stinks.
They need more protection in the colder months, and need wind breaks, and must be kept away from draughts.
They lay between 230-300 eggs a year. They start laying at 8-12 weeks of age.
Quails get bored. Supply them with logs and things to climb under.
They can pluck feathers to get more protein or they are bored.
Things I need to do for our quails
I need to give them something to hide under.
They need grit.
They need more dirt and less hay.
More wind protection.
I’d like to give them a bigger run.
Put wood chips on one side of their cage.