SR Quail Update 9-18-16: I lost 8 Birds in One Night and Keeping Quail in the Winter

[@tinastewart789]

Good questions from your viewers. Always fun to see your setup...

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much. Glad you liked it.

[@PaulineBro100]

Thanks for your videos. I'm learning so much and the incubator hasn't arrived yet. Hoping to keep a few quail outside with the canaries and cockatiels. I'm in Spain.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for watching. I am so glad that you find my videos helpful. Good luck with your new birds.

[@shandaturman9974]

First time raising quail for me, I’m in south west New Mexico and the only one in my city to raise Quail. I hope it goes well, love your you tube videos and tips. Thanks so much

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Nice. I am sure you will do great. And thanks for watching my videos.

[@thorium9190]

If possible put a bunch of hay in the sand box section to cover up the floor and prevent wind from getting up from underneath. I found that works great

[@houtenbakkie]

Curious to see your experiences with a closed sand floor this winter. I have 2 bobwhites in a hutch on 1/2" to 1" of sand (our local sand is mostly lime), its been working pretty good as long as it is dry. I guess you can mix some DE in there as well. One time my waterer tipped over and THEN it started to smell really bad. I use the pooper-scooper like in my chicken (night) coop. Some old time 1900's poultry books also talk about using plain 'road dirt' mixed with wood ashes.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am not sure exactly how I am going to do it yet but I will make sure to keep you updated on it. Just toying around with the idea after seeing your video on how you do it with the chickens. :) Thanks for the suggestion by the way.

[@heidilynn6052]

I don't know if anyone else has said (haven't read all of the comments yet) but if you put something that floats into the waterdish it will help the water to not freeze as fast. When we used to live in Maine we would put two balls into the Rabbits water & the balls floating around would break the ice up... it wouldn't stop it from freezing completely but it would take longer to freeze (its like a lake freezing... it takes longer to freeze around things that were left in the water then for "open" areas)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

[@familyfamily4010]

If you place a plastic cone over a electric dog water bowl with holes in it they can't crap in the water.

[@sparky5513]

i just found your channel only a few days ago, enjoy them all or at least the ones i've seen. as far as reaching the eggs in the back of the cage, one simple solution is a spoon on a stick.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks so much for the kind comments. Good suggestion. I could just put a hook on the hutch so it stays out there ready for use. Would be really handy when the short neighbor has to help out when I am gone for a few days.

[@frankmitchell5454]

I had a similar experience with my chickens I left gate open and got distracted all 12 got out I was able to capture 9 right away but dog mauled one and 2 went to neighbors yard. I put dog up and Waited a few hours and the 2 came home. I build cages too I would like to offer a suggestion you could put your hinges on top and latches on bottom where the doors open upwards this way if you forget at least gravity will help keep them closed. ps love the videos keep them coming

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thats a good suggestion. I may change to that. Originally i put them opening down so I didn't have to worry about holding the door open but I could easily fix that. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching.

[@slairdandraful]

Thanks again for great video, just hatched half a dozen, been watching you for ages but thought I’d wait so they are mature in spring.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and congrats on your hatch.

[@MINERVARIOSmin_crafts]

Sorry you lost some birds. Wanted to share We finally got some baby rabbits, didn't even know she was pregnant! We set up the automatic watering system you showed and it works great. thanks!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

awesome. Thank you so much for letting me know and glad to hear it.

[@Goodb4r]

I found your videos about a week ago and love them. Very helpful. I am just now getting started with quail, I have an old rabbit cage I'm going to turn into a grow out pen and I build a egg production pen, still in the work. I purchased 4 dozen Texas A&M eggs from a local breeder one cracked on the way home and I put the other 47 in the incubator the next day (last Tuesday evening). I had built it out of a old wine chiller (works great). I have an egg turner and I candled them last night and have a definite 33 of them fertile and moving. So my question that I have is how long can the chicks be left in the incubator after hatching before putting them in the brooder bin? I'm afraid of loosing too much humidity while taking the hatchlings out while others are still pipping.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good question. The chicks can easily last 3 days after hatching before you need to get them to the brooder. Your concern about losing too much humidity is a valid concern. Don't open the incubator until you have to and that will ensure the best hatch rate possible. Thanks for watching and for the kind comments. I hope that helps a little.

[@Goodb4r]

Awesome thank you, yeah I kept seeing 24 hours from everyone but that worries me if the chicks happen to be hatching a few days apart.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I have no problem letting my go 3 days.

[@waltlars3687]

the rule of thumb is when all dryed off and running around but like other poster said don't open hatcher too often cause still wet late hatches might get too cold

[@Slightlyrednecked]

The big concern with opening the incubator is more of a drop in humidity than a drop in temperature. A sudden drop in humidity can cause the chicks that are just pipping the shell to get shrink wrapped inside the egg and die.

[@cleverkimscurios3783]

I know you used to keep your quail in the garage. Was it heated? I plan on moving our quail into a room that's attached to the house, but doesn't have heat unless I put some sort of heater in it. I was thinking a reptile heat mat since that's what I use for a couple of beetle bins I kept in there (since moved to a modded freezer). I don't know that mats will do much for the birds since I doubt they're big enough to raise the ambient temps in the room. I'm hoping the birds themselves will keep the room warm enough. They'll be out of drafts though, and if needed I can put a small heater of some sort in there (probably a 5 gallon bucket with an aquarium heater).

[@Slightlyrednecked]

My garage wasn't heated. It never really got be low about 45 degrees though. With that being said, the birds never showed any signs of stress. I am planning on running them outside all winter so we will see how that goes.

[@kennethflynn2469]

might try putting corrigated clear plastic on sides in winter that way sun warm it up in winter , plus give them wind protection and sunlight

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a great idea. Really in my winter though we don't typically get prolonged temps below freezing so it isn't necessary for me. I would worry a little bit about how hot it might get on a sunny day.

[@miaschaffler5599]

I did that to my aviary in the winter and it worked really well.

[@getoffyourbassandletsfish7651]

I live in Wisconsin and don’t want to bring em in, in winter. We’ve had rabbits with no problem. Loved your winter video. I’m leaning on starting these for eggs mainly this spring.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for the kind comments. As long as they can get out of the wind, they do remarkably well in winter time. I wouldn't worry about it too much if I were you.

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Good winterizing tips and nice but sad story about the quail that escaped.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

it happens from time to time.

[@kaleekeller7782]

First off I love your videos. Very helpful. Wonder if you can give me some insight on my last failure. I had 35 eggs in the incubator. this is day 22 and nothing. so I decided to scratch that batch and start fresh. When I removed the eggs they were very light. like nothing in them. I did break a few and only liquid. My thought is that they were not fertile to begin with. We have 3 to 1 in our cages. (we lost 4 quail, alot like the way you did) Any thoughts? Your input would be appreciated. Please keep put out the videos. You really are helping so many of us.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thanks for the kind comments. Sounds like a fertility issue to me. How are you storing them prior to incubation though? That could be an issue.

[@kaleekeller7782]

They were kept in a cool room. Temp was about 69 degrees. I was wondering if that was the issue or could it be fertility issues. New to this, so trying to follow your recommendations. Thank you

[@Slightlyrednecked]

It could be a fertility issue but unlikely with multiple males. Have you calibrated your incubator to make sure it is running at the temperature that it displays? It could be running cold or hot (mine runs cold...i have to set it at about 104 to get it at 99 degrees).

[@EyezLikaFox̌]

i plan on getting coturnix quail. they will be housed outside all year. what i do for my rabbits is besides stuffing the wooden hutch part with straw, I cover all sides of the cage with thick blankets then huge tarps held down with bungees, makes it a little hard everyday when feeding and watering but i know my bunnies are warm so we deal with it. in the front i added clear shower curtains on the cages, i put this layer on first(curtain, blanket then tarp). so on a sunny but cold winter day i can lift the blanket and tarp in the front and the plastic shower curtain stops the wind but allows sun light, warmth and viewing for them and us and theres enough air flow from the bottom of the cage for them. for the front of your quail cage with the door, you can add a shower curtain. so it will stay a little warmer without taking their sun light away while blocking some wind. :)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

good point. It really doesn't stay cold enough here long enough to warrant that but very good thoughts.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I understand. It gets cold here but doesn't stay that way for long periods of time.

[@EyezLikaFox̌]

Slightly Rednecked ive been watching your videos all morning on my xbox. i cant reply to your videos im watching so i grabbed my phone so i can message you. i appreciate your videos :)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much. Thanks for watching and taking the effort to reply. :)

[@brentroberts5084]

An inch and a half by 3 inch piece of pine with 1 screw in it to pivot works great for a latch. And basically free..

[@Slightlyrednecked]

That is a good suggestion. Thanks.

[@Kangleipakkimahaomukbang]

Last week I bought 65 quails. They are more than 2 weeks. I find one or two dead everyday. The other day I found 5 dead. I keep them near our piggery with a 200 wtt bulb. It is spacious. They have featherless backs. They close thier eyes and stand still. The next day they would be found dead. I find slippery saliva coming out when i press thier necks. What could be the reason sir? One more information is that it has been raining since the day I bought them, not before.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

It could be a temperature issue. They may not be ready to be outside yet. Not having feathers on their backs sounds like molting but 2 weeks old is awfully young to be molting. Is it possible that they are getting into the water and chilling for that reason perhaps? Sorry I can't say exactly what the issue is.

[@Kangleipakkimahaomukbang]

@@Slightlyrednecked thanks for the reply sir. 40 of them are still living. I shifted them to a new place. Now they are laying eggs. I have collected more than 50 eggs. One of them laid two eggs together with very thin shell and no speckles. Nice to see them grow.

[@Kangleipakkimahaomukbang]

@@Slightlyrednecked one more question sir. Do the hens brood in winter? I doubt but just wanna know. The internet doesnt give a clear information on this except for the mention of spring and summer brooding.Thanks.

[@nashtonkin3602]

What's your favourite quail breed and which is best for the production of meat

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Well if you are looking for meat production the JMF Meat makers are probably the best. I have a video coming out tomorrow evening discussing that and where you can get them.

[@rayallen6200]

how long can the eggs be left in the pen before collection

[@Slightlyrednecked]

well you could easily leave them for several days or even a week probably. It is really best to collect them more frequently but every other day would be fine.

[@dunestaniszewski2300]

What do you think about a quail tractor, like a chicken tractor? I am thinking about quail tratcoring about 3-8 quail.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I haven't tried it myself but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Might be difficult to find and collect eggs.

[@robertdetjen6104]

I've made and used several tractors. I've had Opossums, Raccoons, and even a Badger try unsuccessfully to get into them - so I always wire the bottom. I then use a 2" pvc pipe on the bottom to make them easier to drag. Heat the PVC with a hot air gun and bolt through it that way. It seals it to keep mice from living in the pipe, and makes it glide across the ground even easier. The only downside to the tractor is that you have to move it every few days. The best thing is that if you move it every few days then you never have to shovel poop.

[@romuloparrilla1998]

HI THERE,I GOT A QUESTION,IM JUST A BEGGINER AND NOW I HAVE 40 COMMON QUAILS ABOUT 3 MONTHS OLD.HOW DO I REALLY FEED THEM WITHOUT SPENDING TOO MUCH,IM USING TURKEY CRUMBLES.20.00 FOR 50 POUNDER.DO THEY HAVE TO HAVE FOOD AT ALL TIMES???THANK YOU.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

they don't technically need food all the time but chances are that won't really help cut down on the food bill. They only eat as much as they need anyway. What kind of feeders are you using and how much are they wasting?

[@thebamlife1775]

Great video! Love it!!

[@Slightlyrednecked]

thank you so much, glad you liked it.

[@mikesmith8789]

You could slant the cages sightly to the front and the eggs would roll to the front

[@Slightlyrednecked]

yeah, that is an option. I find that also makes the feeder slide to the front and the birds hang out mostly at the front though so I just don't like doing it.

[@austinmcclain4236]

When will you put the incubation video up

[@Slightlyrednecked]

soon I hope. Believe it or not I had a video problem this time and have to re shoot it with the next hatch. Something is working against me on that video.

[@austinmcclain4236]

That sucks can't wait to see it

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I will get it done eventually.

[@magicians4christ]

What kind of sand do you use? I have mason sand but it’s so fine may not be good for them

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I use regular builders sand or play sand. I don't think i would worry too much about the mason sand. They probably won't eat much of it and it shouldn't hurt them.

[@romuloparrilla1998]

ANOTHER QUESTION.I HAVE ORDERED 40 QUAIL EGGS ON LINE AND I GOT THEM HATCHED ON MY NEW INCUBATOR.IS IT OKEY FOR ME TO BREED THEM ALL TOGETHER OR IS THAT BAD CAUSE ITS LIKE IT WOULD BE LIKE INBREEDING?THANK YOU

[@Slightlyrednecked]

You shouldn't have to worry too much about in breeding really. Over time perhaps but just add a new rooster or two every once in a while (once a year maybe) and you don't have to worry about it at all. Hope that helps.

[@therrienmichael08]

Eggs arriving in 3 days Nov. 16th 2018. This is going to be a challenge but thanks to SR I'm confident.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Awesome. Congrats on your new eggs. I am sure you will do great with them.

[@IR240474]

How did you do Mike? I just got 5 quails myself and the first egg yesterday 10-11-21.

[@therrienmichael08]

@@IR240474 That was an enjoyable experience David. Had a good hatch and did a second hatch from my own eggs 🥚

[@robertdetjen6104]

What do you do for flies? Or maybe I should be asking how do you keep your quail from wasting food? Any food that hits the ground breeds flies, and with the weather being wet for weeks now the flies are terrible. I'm feeding DuMor 24% Game Bird - is there a feed that does't draw flies?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Flys are just a part of life unfortunately. They are drawn to the droppings and much more so if it is wet. I don't do anything for them myself and just tolerate them. I don't find them to be a big problem for me. I do use some low waste (almost no waste) feeders. Here is a link to how I make mine. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=oeC7MPvbfQM

[@debrabarnett7511]

I have not brought my quail home yet, however will purchase 20, 1 week old. I will keep them in a heated area, and move them out at 3 weeks of age. I was wondering, I have a rabbit tractor 36 inches x 8 feet long and 24 inches high with 1/2 x 1/2 hardware cloth on the sides and can put the same on the bottom. It is on the ground and opens with a lift up top. Can I raise my Quail in this? (Trying to multi purpose my items to save $) If so, is there a big concern of them flying out when I open the lid? I was considering using a tupperware with lid on it for their housing, or could build a removable wooden hutch. Thoughts?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I think that would work fine. If the cage opens all the way across the top then you will probably have a problem with them trying to fly out of it when you open it. If it opens on half of the cage they will probably move to the other half when you are at one side and it shouldn't be a problem. I hope that makes sense.

[@rp101aquatics6]

You could cut the top lid and make multiple small doors

[@ryanwintle3173]

Hi i have just had a quail hatch and one of them has spraddled legs, how do you deal with this? I have had it once with chickens before and it died, but i have never had this problem before. Ryan

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am so sorry about the late response. It is likely that there isn't much at all you can do for him at this point. You can try to splint the legs but it is fairly involved (at least too much for me to speak to in a comment) and it needs to be done pretty early on. I can speak to what causes it an upcoming video but that won't help you much at the moment. You might try to put it in a yogurt cup or something that prevents his legs from spraddling all the way out if that makes sense. Leave him in there for a while and see if it corrects itself.

[@keithwillis8595]

Wondering if you can help me figure why my quail are not laying any eggs they are 10 weeks old and should have been laying for a few weeks now. Yes a have both male and female about 5 and 3. And a light on them for more then 16 hrs. Thanks

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Well it is hard to say. Sounds like you have the basics covered. What protein level is the feed? It needs to be around 25% to keep them laying consistently. Other than that I would say just be patient. Sometimes it takes them up to 11 or 12 weeks to start laying. I am sorry I can't help more.

[@sentinelartemis2591]

does this species of quail fly or are they flightless like the kiwi?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

They can fly but they don't fly well and wear out pretty quickly. More like high jumps and controlled decent to the ground. Not really flight.

[@sentinelartemis2591]

Alright, thanks for the info.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

No problem. Glad to help.

[@Chickertonflock]

Did your build your cage? Where did you buy it?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I built my hutches. I have a video showing how I did it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKaTZYBvd92MotU

[@brad9795]

What breed is the white quail with the black spots. I have a few of them and just wanted to know what breed they are.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

It is hard to say for sure. They are all mixed but most likely it is an English white or Texas A&M mixed with something else.

[@waltlars3687]

thanks for response some nights I get busy and get a chance to You tube since My coldest nights only get down to low 40s I don't think winter is going to be a problem We hit almost 100°F here today so excess heat is More My problem in Inland So Calif. My out door parrot cage is 5x5' and 8' tall I have 25 Sq ft per leval. I am thinking 20 birds per level so if I have a problem I can move a few birda into the another level what do you feed the egg layers ? normal chicken layer ration ? My Uncle Dr Earnest Ross was devolpeing the qutorinx quail back in earliy 60's useing chicken brooder stacks and they all had free choice our famliy joke Uncle Earnie has a PHD in feeding chickens My Farmer Grandfather from other side of the Famliy got a big chuckle out of that

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I know what you mean about the heat. We are just now getting a break from it here but its not over yet. I feed all my birds 28% protein game bird starter. I hope that helps.

[@waltlars3687]

All the time ?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Yeah. From chick to adult.

[@waltlars3687]

Ok tanks =)

[@Slightlyrednecked]

No problem.

[@scottreese4854]

My cage is 3 foot deep and 12 feet long and 2 foot tall how many birds would you say to keep in this size cage

[@Slightlyrednecked]

If it is a wire bottom cage you can easily go with 1 per square foot or a little more. So for that size cage I would say 40 to 45 birds would be the most I would put in it.

[@scottreese4854]

Thank you

[@mikeelias7907]

Do quail lay eggs in the winter?

[@Slightlyrednecked]

As long as they have enough light they will continue to lay int he winter time. They take about 14 hours a day of light to keep laying though.

[@gabrieleduardovargasdiaz9562]

GREAT VIDEOS

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Thank you so much. Let me know if you have any topics you would like to see covered.

[@wutangclams3203]

a strong magnetic strip on the door might eliminate the need for the locks

[@Slightlyrednecked]

it might indeed. I am not sure I would trust that to keep the raccoons out but it might.

[@EyezLikaFox̌]

i have a question. im looking for a food thats not medicated but high in protein 25% or more. ive looked around but all the game bird feeds are medicated. if i have a specific name and brand i might be able to get my local agway or tractor supply to order it :) ty

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good question. I have only used feed from the local feed stores and they are their own brands so i don't know that I can help you with a brand name. If you have an Atwoods near buy they sell a game bird starter that is not medicated. I believe the brand is ranch pro. In my experience Tractor Supply doesn't carry and affordable game bird starter. On another note, you could look for a non medicated turkey starter. They are generally high protein and will work just fine. I hope that helps.

[@EyezLikaFox̌]

Slightly Rednecked ok tyvm!! i will look into the turkey feed :) and as far as i know, the only places around here for any type of "feeds" is agway and tractor supply. :(

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Good luck. I wish I could help more.

[@robwardrop4320]

talkingalwayz she

[@rayallen6200]

what type of sand do you use

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Just regular construction or play sand form the hardware store.

[@colene77]

Can I buy quail from you, I live in SE MN

[@Slightlyrednecked]

I am not really in the quail selling business. I would be happy to work something out with you but I honestly think you would do better off buying chicks from someone locally. I don't have a specialty stock or anything and shipping is expensive. If you are unable to locate any birds near you let me know and I can help either way.

[@chikuguddu4950]

i bought 40 quail chicks on 2nd oct 2018....bt nw on 5th oct i have only 25...every day 3-4 are dying....not able to understand wht is the reason...they look healthy all the time running everywhr bt all of a sudden they die.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

How old are the chicks? if they are only a few days old you need to make sure to have a heat lamp on them until they feather out. That is my best guess based on the information you provided.

[@chikuguddu4950]

@@Slightlyrednecked I have kept them under heat lamp and enough space to get away..still they died....fortunately nw after 2 days i have all my 25 chicks healthy...thanks for your reply sir.

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Do they have access to the water? If it is in a dish or something they could be getting in the water and chilling. That is a common issue with baby quail. Put some marbles or pebbles in the water dish to keep them from getting in it and getting wet.

[@chikuguddu4950]

@@Slightlyrednecked yes i kept water in small dish...maybe thts the only reason...thanks...i will take care for my next batch

[@Slightlyrednecked]

Glad to help. Good luck on the next batch.

[@Madrock75]

Best way to breed quail to get young ones

[@Slightlyrednecked]

put the roosters and hens together and make sure they have 14 hours a day of light. And then just wait. if you hear roosters crowing they are breeding.

[@Madrock75]

Will they sit on the eggs or can you put them under chickens

[@rp101aquatics6]

@@Madrock75 you can incubate or sometimes put them under chickens but rarely will a quail go broody

[@MrWaco63]

A bantam hen makes a very good foster mom if you don't have an incubator.

[@brendaeulenstein4255]

@@MrWaco63 What about silkie hens. Apparrently they are good little brooders.

[@Madrock75]

I have videos on here

[@rp101aquatics6]

If I want them to lay lots of eggs what's an ideal amount to put in a 2x2 ft cage

[@Slightlyrednecked]

They will lay eggs regardless. I would house about 5 to 7 birds max in that size cage.

[@rp101aquatics6]

@@Slightlyrednecked ok I will do 6 but if I need 7 each cage I'll try to make more cages if I need