Free ranging coturnix quail

"Girls day out".  Coturnix quail hens enjoying their little bit of freedom dust bathing.

Yesterday the quail received a little bit of freedom, just for the day.  I keep quail for eggs to hatch and eat, however they are still our pets as I had mentioned before. One of the ways I spoil our quail, is by giving them a "free-range" day every once in a while.  

I must note, there are a few safety precautions taken to ensure their safety.

Trimming flight feathers on Coturnix quail ensures they do not fly away finding themselves hopelessly lost.

The most important of those safety precautions is on the days I decide to let them free-range, I take them out of their cage one at a time and trim their flight feathers.  Coturnix quail are unlike most other types of quail in the fact that they are very domesticated and would likely not survive on their own in the wild.  They rely heavily on a normal feed and water source, and without would likely perish.  The other major concern of mine is our dogs.  Luckily we are fortunate enough to have an enclosed run for all of our birds, and this is where the Coturnix quail stay for the day.  

Chickens and quail can live in Harmony.

Despite popular belief, Quail and Chickens can live in harmony.  This doesn't go without saying that I have not seen the chickens peck at the quail from time to time and even bully them.  It is my belief that like any other bird, any "new comers" must be properly placed within the confines of the pecking order.  

Access back into quail house

Quail are much smaller than chickens and can easily find hiding spots if they are being bullied too much.  One way to help this situation is to ensure the proper type of environment for them and also leaving access back into their house if they decide to do so.

Cheers! ~ Kevin

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