The Quail Necessities - hides / structures
What do you need to know?
Natural materials, plants, various areas to explore, things to keep them busy… raising quail should be more than just wire mesh cages they should enjoy their space. It should be safe, comfortable and clean - with some enrichment and natural elements to it for maximum benefit.
Hides
Hides are a vital part of your coop/aviary set up. They will be used for safe havens when quail need to rest or want some time to themselves. They will also be selected by hens for places they feel comfortable to lay their eggs (and nest if you are not collecting the eggs)
The types of hides can range from simple baskets and clay pots nestled securely on their sides, reptile or aquatic structures like caves and faux logs (sized according to the type of quail you are raising) If your set up would allow for it, live plants aLao provide places to hide, birch logs, cinder blocks or other natural elements can also be placed for variety.
Your hens may opt to lay their eggs collectively in one space and rotate “egg watch” duties, but this is not always the case and some hens are more protective of their nesting areas, this is why having more than one option is important. Having hides spread out also allows them to rotate based on heat, sunlight, Dynamics in the coop and overall preference and comfort. You may find they switch their favourite spot from time to time.
Play structure/ Perch points
It’s a great idea to include structures the chicks and adults can climb, and perch on - while they do not need raised bars for roosting they do like to be able to elevate themselves from the ground at times for a sense of added security. In the wild they would be able to explore fallen branches, tree stumps, rock piles etc. so providing something similar in their space will allow them to mimic those natural tendencies. It also provides mental enrichment for them compared to an empty cage. Happier birds tend to be healthier and hens tend to lay better eggs when they are in suitable environments with a good diet.
Toys
Offering toys is a personal preference, not a mandatory requirement by any means. Reflective surfaces, mirrors etc are helpful for chicks and encourage socialization with other birds as they see their reflection as another chick to interact with.
Shredding toys, hemp and wicker balls or similar type options are beneficial in multiple aspects, they can forage and shred but also tend to take the materials back to an area they wish to nest. They may also collect fallen feathers from themselves or other birds to add to their nests - much like wild birds do when building nests in trees. This becomes an activity for them to focus on and keep their minds working. Bedding down a nesting area also allows them to add warmth and encourages them to settle and rest.
Nesting areas
Quail, unlike chicken, are considered ground layers - they do not need nesting boxes / raised boxes. They prefer to find a space and build it up to their standards (or their mates)
Providing suitable areas and materials will keep your hens happy - natural grasses, shredding papers, soft shavings/similar substrate would be recommended to allow the hens to access, you do not need to build out their nests for them. Small wicker baskets or even overturned boxes with a “mouse house“ entrance cut into them are popular choices and low cost. They can easily be replaced when they become too worn or dirty. Anything else that is placed in their coop / aviary should be something that can be cleaned or replaced.
We like to let our hens be when they are in their nests and do not remove eggs if the hen is sitting on them, we wait until feeding time when they are happy to “exchange” access to their eggs for their fav treats. Some hens will be proud to show their egg off and may even coo / call you over to see their hard work - be sure to reward this behaviour!
Dust Bath
Not like dusty floors or house dust that collects - these shallow boxes that may contain bird safe sand, diatomaceous earth or other similar materials is used when the birds are cleaning their plumage, settling into their space and distressing. If your set up doesn’t allow for one to be kept in permanently (or you have sensitivities to dust, consider offering them access to one on a temporary basis each week for their overall wellness - maybe while you are cleaning their coop if they are moved to a different area while you do so.
Live plants
Smell, ingestion, pest control (mosquitos) visual interest and places to hide - live plants in a coop or aviary offer a wide variety of benefit for the quail - and for us they make it look and fell pretty & homey for our sweet birds!
It would be important to do your research for what plants are safe to be kept with your birds, and notes of caution and of course how they will be planted and kept (pots, planters, in ground etc) as that may impact what you select and where it is placed. Plants along the outside of the coop if there is an aviary style structure will help the birds feel sheltered ano protected,m however they can also be used by other wild animals including snakes, rodents and wild birds - so monitor for any unwelcomed guests and adapt accordingly.