Quail attacking one hen

hurricane124

Active Member
Joined
23 December 2018
Messages
44
Visit site
I have 7 coutornix quail currently in an indoor cage until spring. 1 cock bird and 6 hens. They are about 9 weeks old now.
Had no issues with them and the hens have been laying. They have equivalent of 1 1/2 ft square each so not overcrowded by recommendations. They have a UV bulb on 14 hrs per day as recommended.
I came home yesterday to find one bleeding and bloody. Cleaned it up and discovered it had been pecked inside the ear. Advised it would be fine but separated it for the night as it was shaken up and I wanted to ensure no further damage was done. Today she is fine and seems to be trying to get back in with the others. I tried putting her in and the rest started chasing her and attacking her (hens and the cock bird).
Is there anything I can do to resolve it? She doesn't seem happy on her own.
 

Leo Walker

Well-Known Member
Joined
19 July 2013
Messages
12,384
Location
Northampton
Visit site
Quail are little savages! They do seem to like to turn on each other. Have you covered over the injury? If they can see blood or a scab they will tend to attack. Whats your set up like? Have you got plenty of cover and hidey holes? I had upturned plant pots, cardboard boxes, rocks and big branches so mine could get out of each others way
 
Top