4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[ross81]

Hi all

 

Im interested in getting some quail about 4 or 5 females and some males but have some questions firstly what is the best ratio to get or can you only have 1 male? and also how much space in a hutch would they need? i dont want to get a massive hutch if no need to (should stop me buying more)

 

thanks

Edited July 2, 2009 by Guest

[Willow]

The usual recommended ratio is 1 male to 4 or 5 females. You could keep 2 or 3 males at that male to female ratio together. If you're thinking personal use 2 males to 8-10 females would work well.

[ross81]

thanks for that patricia

[Janty]

I keep my 7 in a run on the ground that is 3ft x 5ft. I know that this seems to be generous but I don't like the idea of keeping them in a hutch. We have been told by several breeders that hutches are fine but as we disagree with battery farming for chickens, we feel that the quail should get to live in as natural an environment as possible too. They get fresh greens every day to hide in and play under. They have a small wicker basket for shade and they also lay their eggs in there. They are beautiful birds to watch of an evening. I would definitely recommend a small run for them and not a hutch.

 

 

The lovely Tony has built me a taller run for them and he is delivering it tomorrow evening. It's the same size as their existing run but four foot high and it has a door to one side.