If you’re thinking about starting a quail farm, or if you just want to add a few quail to your backyard flock, you’ll need to build a quail cage.
A quail cage can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, but there are a few basic things that all quail cages should have.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to build a quail cage that will keep your birds happy and healthy.
- Start with a basic understanding of quail and their needs
- Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds that originated in the Middle East
- Wild quail typically live in dry, open habitats with plenty of cover for hiding from predators
- Choose a location for the cage
- It should be in a quiet area away from direct sunlight and drafts
- The cage should also be escape-proof; quail are very good at climbing and jumping
- Build or purchase a cage large enough to comfortably house the number of quail you plan to keep
- A general rule of thumb is 4-5 square feet per bird
- The cage should have multiple levels, as quail like to perch off the ground, and plenty of places for hiding and nesting
- Line the bottom of the cage with several inches of litter, such as wood shavings or straw
- This will help absorb waste and keep the cage clean and dry
- Add perches, nest boxes, feeders, waterers, and other enrichment items to the cage according to your flock’s needs
What Type of Cage is Best for Quail?
When it comes to choosing a cage for quail, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, what type of quail do you have? There are two main types of quail, bobwhite, and Coturnix.
Each type has different housing requirements. Bobwhite quail need more space and should be housed in pairs or trios, while Coturnix quail can be housed together in larger groups. Secondly, what is the purpose of the cage?
Are you raising quail for eggs, meat, or both? This will also affect the size and type of cage you choose. For most purposes, a wire mesh cage is going to be your best option.
It provides good ventilation and keeps the quail from getting out (or predators from getting in).
The wire mesh should be small enough that the birds can’t get their heads through, but large enough that they can move around freely inside the cage.
A good rule of thumb is 1/2″ x 1″ mesh for bobwhite quail and 1″ x 2″ mesh for Coturnix quail.
The cage should also have a solid floor so that the birds’ feet don’t get caught in the wire mesh. You can either purchase a premade cage or build your own using chicken wire and wood framing.
If you’re raising quail for meat production, then you’ll want to choose a larger cage so that the birds have plenty of room to grow.
For egg production, a smaller cage is fine since the birds won’t need as much space to move around.
Just make sure that whichever size cage you choose, there is enough room for all the birds to comfortably move around inside without being overcrowded.
How Big of a Cage Do Quails Need?
When it comes to quail, there is a general rule of thumb that you can follow when it comes to cage size. For every one quail, you should have at least four square feet of space.
So, for example, if you have two quails, you would need an 8-square-foot cage.
Of course, the more space your quails have, the better off they will be. Now, there are different types of cages you can get for your quails. There are wire cages, wooden cages, and even plastic ones.
The wire cages are going to be the cheapest option, and they will also provide good ventilation for your quails.
However, they are not as durable as the other options and your quails may be able to escape if they are not properly secured.
Wooden cages are a bit more expensive than wire cages, but they will last longer and provide a safer environment for your quails.
Plastic cages are also an option, but they can be quite flimsy and might not provide enough ventilation for your quails.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what type of cage is best for your quails based on your budget and needs.
Just make sure that whatever cage you choose is big enough for them to move around comfortably and that it has good ventilation.
What Do You Put on the Bottom of a Quail Cage?
When it comes to the bottom of a quail cage, there are a few different options for what you can use. One option is to use a straw. This is a good option because it is absorbent and will help keep the cage clean.
Another option is to use a newspaper. This is also absorbent and will help keep the cage clean, but it can be more difficult to change out when it gets soiled. Finally, you could use sand.
Sand is not as absorbent as straw or newspaper, but it is easier to change out when it gets soiled.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you change out the material regularly to keep the cage clean and sanitary for your quail.
How Much Space Do You Need for 8 Quail?
Assuming you are referring to the common Coturnix quail, also called the Japanese quail, 8 of them will need a minimum of 24-30 inches (60-76 cm) of floor space.
The more space you can give them, the better, as they will be happier and healthier. If given enough room, they will even lay more eggs!
How to Build a Stacked Quail Cage?
How to Build a Quail Cage With Egg Catcher?
If you’re interested in keeping quail, you’ll need to build a suitable cage for them. This doesn’t have to be a complicated process, and with this guide, you can easily construct a quail cage with an egg catcher.
This is ideal if you want to collect the eggs for consumption or incubation.
First, start by measuring and cutting the wire mesh to size. You’ll need two panels for the sides of the cage, and one panel for the front. Make sure that the wire mesh is wide enough to prevent your quail from escaping.
Next, use zip ties or steel wire to attach the panels together at the corners. If using zip ties, make sure they’re tight so that there are no gaps. Now it’s time to add some perches for your quails.
These can be made from dowels or branches and should be placed at different levels within the cage.
Finally, cut out a piece of hardware cloth or chicken wire to create an egg catcher on one side of the cage. This allows any eggs that are laid to fall through into a separate area where you can easily collect them without disturbing your birds.
Conclusion
Building a quail cage is a simple process that can be done in a few hours. You will need some basic materials and tools, including wire mesh, chicken wire, zip ties, and pliers.
The first step is to cut the wire mesh to the desired size for your quail cage.
Next, use chicken wire to create the walls of the cage, attaching it to the wire mesh with zip ties. Finally, use pliers to secure any loose ends and ensure that the cage is sturdy.