Used Omlet outdoor rabbit run Width 2.2m Height 2.05m Length 3.1m vgc.

[quailtastic]

We have never kept anything other than a cat before, but we are considering getting some quail (the cat is no longer around). We have a small garden and 2 small children, I think they would love quail watching!

We looked at an eglu today, and think that would be good for us as it would be easy to clean etc...

I tried to get as much information as possible from the shop, they said the quail were easy to look after, the eglu is easy to clean. We must not let the quail out of the run or they will fly off. A little bit about food and water.

Are quail a good idea for newbies like us? I can't really find much other information about keeping them.

 

Thank you.

[mollyripkim]

Hi, welcome to the forum, everyone is really helpful here.

Not sure about quail but from reading previous posts I think they can be a bit hit and miss, think they might be a bit scatty for children.

Several people on here have them so I am sure someone will be along to help.

[beach chick]

hi - I think you might be better off with a couple of chickens or maybe some bantams!

 

here are some thoughts:

 

the eglu is fantastic for chickens, but I dont rate it for quail, the main reason being that quail tend to just lay their eggs whererever they feel like it, and if that's in the middle of the run it's a right faff to get them out. they also tend not to use the eglu bit very much, so you are paying quite a lot of money for something that doesnt get used.

 

I keep my quail in rabbit pens - square or rectangular, with a lift up lid which makes it easy to step in and collect eggs/refill feeders etc (but you do have to watch out they don't fly off while the lid is open!! so yes whatever housing you choose you have to keep them shut in.)

 

quail are very cute to look at and the boys make a lovely sound, but they are not very easy to tame, so if you wanted your children to get involved that might not be ideal. chickens, on the other hand, will take food from your hand and some even like a cuddle!

 

if you get the gender balance wrong (too many boys in a little flock) they will fight to the death. I have spent more time than I care to remember rescuing bloodied and bruised boys and rejigging my arrangements to get this right.

 

and finally.... they are not exactly reliable layers (in my experience).

 

on balance, if you've not kept birds before, I'd start with as I say 2-3 chickens or maybe 4 bantams - that number would be fine in the eglu and standard run.

 

hope that helps!

[scarlettohara]

Quail are rubbish for holding and a bit stinky (I was warned ) - they are too mad and flighty and like all children I'm sure yours will want to cuddle them. Get some bantams - they are tame and friendly and don't take up much room. Sabelpoots are particulary good for children and very small

[quailtastic]

thank you for the comments.

I though quail might be easier to keep than chickens ?? and I think they are cute. I am not really expecting the children to be very involved and i did have it in my mind if we get on well to go for chickens when the quail are 'no more'!

I will have a good think, thank you for the advice

Michelle

[beach chick]

my advice would be to start with chickens or bantams - honestly they are much easier, and nicer, than quail.

[scarlettohara]

my advice would be to start with chickens or bantams - honestly they are much easier, and nicer, than quail.

 

and I would say that quail are not for beginners - lots of problems re fighting, pecking etc

[Chillicat]

Hi - I have chickens and quail (and looking to get some bantums to fill a spare eglu!). Agree with all previous posts, however, it depends on what your needs are.

Chickens for eggs and entertaining children - perfect in a cube or eglu.

Quail for eggs and absolutely fine in an eglu with a small bird set - my 5 girls love the eglu and their eggs are divine.....however, they are seasonal (they stop laying between November to March, so not as productive as chickens).

Check out the courses near you - which would be a perfect starting point for you to decide for yourself. Hope this is helpful, and good luck.

[MammaT]

Hello,

 

I'd have to agree that chickens/bantams would be better from personal experience. I'm down to one noisy male quail and have lost the last 2 because they refuse to go into the eglu at night (even when I attempt to round them up with a broom - on my hands and knees half in the run ). They like to sleep against the wire of the run and then along comes mr foxy and I find only bits in the morning - not nice.

 

I'm now torn as I realise my lone male is lonely but I'm balking at the idea of getting some companions because of introductions etc.

 

The big plus with quail is that they don't ruin your grass the way that chickens do and they don't eat much. Mine have always been quite friendly but not in the same way the chickens are. If you get young chickens and handle them they'll be completely tame before you know it and the children will love them (mine do).

 

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do - chickens or quail, you'll have fun.

[quailtastic]

thank you, it's good to have opinions...and its nice to know some of you like quail!!!!

I think we are going to visit some chickens and quail, but we are still keen on the quail

I will let you know how it goes, fingers crossed!

[scarlettohara]

I like my quail and they are getting a bit better at being handled Chickens are much nicer and friendlier though

[quailtastic]

may go for chickens next time

looks like it get addictive

[beach chick]

may go for chickens next time

looks like it get addictive

 

yes it is addictive, you will find many sufferers of morehens disease on this forum! I like my quail too, but just wanted you to know that just because they are small and cute they are not easier than chickens... a bit like small dogs not being easier than big dogs