Coturnix quail

Description:

Larger females are about 6" long, maybe 6 grams. My 'roo (rooster) is smaller; maybe 5". Several color variations. Roos crow, surprisingly loudly for such little guys... "Co - TURRRRRR- nix!!!!" Frequently, from sunup to sundown. Behavior is similar to that of chickens, except most coturnix hens will not brood the eggs. Hens lay 1 small egg a day . (Mine usually lay in the evening for some reason, and all in the same place.)

Habitat:

Domesticated. My 4 are in a coop 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2 ft high. Soft screen layer just under the hard roof to avoid the "boink factor" from their tendency to burst straight upward when startled (in typical quail style) - this can result in head/neck injuries. Bedding is clean straw, a hiding box. (Supposedly quail don't like boxes, but my hens do!) Pan of clean sand for bathing and scratching, and eating ( necessary for their digestion!) They LOVE it.

Notes:

Awesome little birds for anyone wanting to start a backyard poultry. (Only drawback is the strong odor- droppings have a naturally high ammonia level. Frequent cleaning is essential!) Design the coop for ease of cleaning!!!! (Learned that the hard way-- ahem)