How to Keep a Bobwhite Quail
Bobwhite quail are a small species of quail commonly found from Canada through northern Mexico. Recognized by their shrill vocalizations, bobwhite quail are one of the simplest quail species to keep. Bobwhites eat a variety of bugs and pests, making them a valuable asset for even small-scale owners. Bobwhite quail are docile and easy to care for, making them a popular species for first time quail owners.
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Things You'll Need
- Chicken coop
- Nesting boxes
- Gloves
- Broom
- Shovel
- Garbage bag
- Bleach
- Spray bottle
- Clean straw
- Feed and water dishes
- Feed
Instructions
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Examine your chicken coop to make sure it is secure for your quail. Bobwhites are small birds and can easily squeeze out of small gaps in your fencing. Your coop should include a sturdy building to give your quail a place to get out of the elements and to roost at night. Adult bobwhite quail need approximately one square foot of space per bird, so make sure your coop provides adequate space for your flock.
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Place nest boxes inside your building to give your females a safe place to lay eggs. Each bobwhite hen needs her own nest box to keep her comfortable while she incubates her clutch. You can set the nest boxes on the floor or mount them on the walls of your building if you want to keep them off the ground.
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3
Disinfect your coop before introducing your bobwhites to the coop. Put on your gloves and clean up any soiled bedding left inside your coop, using your broom and shovel to sweep up and scoop any foreign material into plastic garbage bags. Add two ounces of bleach to a spray bottle and fill with warm water and spray down each surface in your coop with the bleach solution, leaving the solution to dry overnight.
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4
Fill each nest box with clean straw and add a layer of straw to the floor of your building to give your quail a soft place to rest. Place your feed and water pans in your coop, filling each with fresh water and feed. You can purchase quail feed to your local farm and ranch store.
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Introduce your bobwhite quail to your coop and allow them to explore the coop at their own pace. Observe them quietly to make sure they cannot escape their new enclosure. It may take up to a day before your quail settle down and begin to eat and nest, so don’t be alarmed if they do not begin eating immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your local zoning board to make sure it is legal to keep quail on your property. Quail are still considered an exotic species in many areas and you don’t want to be in violation of the law by keeping bobwhite quail.
Do not allow your other pets to harass your quail. Bobwhites can be easily frightened by cats and dogs, so keep your pets well away from your coop.
References
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