adeandsu Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Hi all We successfully hatched four quail at home (luckily all girls) and they are now almost 3 months old. Despite handling them every day they are extremely skittish. We moved them outside a month ago, into a chicken house with run, hoping that they would get used to their new surroundings and calm down. Unfortunately this hasn't happened. Every time anyone approaches they crazily run up and down pecking madly at the wire (presumably to escape). Sadly they often injure themselves while fluttering about and running backwards and forwards (lots of bloody noses)... They did go off lay at first, but are now back into full swing. Still the crazy behaviour continues. So, my reason for posting is just to ask if anyone has any advice - or can offer some words of encouragement. They certainly aren't the joyful and fun animals others talk about keeping! Thanks a lot Ade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dahato3 Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 We have had our quail for almost 2 years and although I'm no expert we have learnt an awful lot as we've gone on and from this forum. What type of quail do you have? We have both Chinese painted quail and Japanese and Italian (which we house separately) The Chinese are very, very flighty..... They are impossible to handle and spend their entire time pacing up and down the perimeter of their house. They seldom use the secluded areas I have created and I have only ever seen then stationary at night when they all roost together. The Japanese and Italian are also very flighty and will fly upwards when spooked. Mine have all calmed down over time and have become quite calm. (I can catch them individually by hand when necessary). However, you have to be vigilant at all times as they tend to use your hand as a springboard and we have had several escape attempts!! It seems to me that all quail will pace up and down the perimeter as a natural pattern of behaviour and we have to be extra careful that they are safe from foxes and rats etc. I do try to create some secluded areas such as flowerpots (cut to lay on their side, logs, leaves and branches). They do prefer secluded areas. Quail are not as simple as my chickens and ducks but I would not be without them!! Once they get started they are prolific layers of eggs which are always in demand and I simply love to watch them!! Good luck..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adeandsu Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 Thanks Dahato3, that's good to hear. We have Red Cap quail, which are apparently a mutation of the Japanese. So far it seems everything for us has been in line with your experience, which is reassuring. We improved the security of the house and run once we realised the quail would sleep close to the perimeter of their run, and we've provided branches and other places for them to hide in and explore. Other than some fairly aggressive pecking order activity, the skittishness is the only thing that has concerned us so far. I'm glad to hear they may in time calm down further. Thankfully I can catch them individually (perhaps as a result of the home rearing) but I guess the mad frenzy to escape (and the stress I associate with it) is at odds with my view of enjoyable pet keeping As you say, chickens are far more straight-forward! Thanks again for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dahato3 Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 It sounds as though you are doing everything right......Enjoy your quail and good luck with them. I certainly think that they are worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
