Whatever habitat method you may choose, keep in mind that quail are extremely fragile creatures that require routine checks no matter the habitat. But with regenerative agriculture growing in popularity, quail can even be kept in pasture quail tractors as well, much like pastured poultry! In days of old, quail were kept in small cages, as they can be today. Believe it or not, there is a wide range of options for the modern quail keeper. Now that we’ve talked about the basics, I want to share with you my three favorite types of quail habitats. We know this firsthand, and it is an incredibly disappointing thing to discover. If a squirrel, mouse, rat, or other rodent can get into the hutch, they will most certainly wreak havoc on it and the quail within your structure. The cocks will fight, so keep that in mind when you’re setting up your habitat and putting together your breeding pens.Īnd finally, make sure your structure is completely enclosed with wire or another type of sturdy material. Make sure you have a ratio of 3 to 5 females per male. You should also ensure that they have a dust bathing area in their habitat. This makes them feel much safer in their environment.Īs with any animal, make sure your quail have access to plenty of feed and water throughout the day. Add tree branches, rocks, and other things that they can hide behind, under, and near. Keep in mind that quail are ground birds in their natural habitat, and quail are still very much wild in character, not domesticated. Yes, even if your quail are in a cage or hutch. The next basic is an easy fix––make sure your quail have ground cover. If the ceiling is too high, or not high enough, they will soar themselves right into the ceiling and break their necks. The reason for these heights is that quail have a natural instinct to shoot into the air like mini rockets whenever they’re startled or afraid. If you’re creating a walk-in pasture raising type system, the habitat should be at least your height and then some (about 6 feet tall or higher). As an example, if you’re keeping quail in cages or hutches, the maximum height of your habitat should be about 12 inches, though some people like to go up to 18 inches.
There are a few basics you need to know before getting started on your quail habitat.Īs a general rule of thumb, your quail housing either needs to be fairly short or extremely tall. But don’t worry, there are options for you when considering which habitat might work best for your property. If a quail’s habitat is not to a certain standard, it can be detrimental to your quail-raising projects. One of the most important things when it comes to keeping quail, however, is their habitat. Some people even keep quail in apartments and on balconies––they’re truly that easy to tend to! Quail are an incredible meat and egg source, especially if you live on a small property. The number of homesteaders keeping domestic quail is growing by leaps and bounds. Amy Fewell helps you set up the right kind of habitat for your quail.
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