HOW TO INTRODUCE NEW QUAIL TO FLOCK
For all quail owners, there comes a time when you need to introduce new flock members. Quail are feisty, and this makes adding new quail quite difficult. However, by taking a few essential steps you can reduce stress in your flock and make sure that new quail settle in as quickly as possible.
REMOVE THE ROSE-TINTED GLASSES
Let’s be frank. Whilst quail are lovely little birds they can also be dangerous individuals to each other. It is extremely common for quail to turn on others and scalp them; pecking and plucking so aggressively they draw blood, remove feathers and skin victims down to the skull. An established flock can be quite harmonious but if you want to introduce new quail to your flock, then steps must be taken.
If you’re thinking about keeping quail, see my 7 Reasons to Keep Coturnix Quail.
CHICKS VS ADULT
I have personally found that adding young quail to an established flock is easier than bringing in mature birds. Once your chicks have feathered up and are about six weeks to two months old, they don’t need a brooder lamp and can be placed with your other quail. At this point, adult quail seem to realise they’re not a threat and you’re less likely to have problems. This is no guarantee, however, so I seriously suggest other steps are also taken.
HOW MANY NEWCOMERS
Introducing a single quail to an established group is almost impossible. This one quail will become very stressed and if it is the subject of attack, whether from one individual or several, it will be persecuted, often until it’s injured.
It is, therefore, important to try and introduce a new group of quail; 3 or 4 is best. Any attacks on these quail can then be diluted and no individual singled out. I often find this works much better.
ISOLATION AREAS
If possible, I try to create an isolation area inside the quail coop. This is not the same as an isolation area for new birds; here, incoming quail must be kept completely separate until you’re confident they are not bringing in diseases. For an in-coop isolation area, the idea is to have your quail be able to see each other, chat and become accustomed to newcomers without actually being allowed to peck or attack.
After a few days you can try to put all the quail together, though it’s worthwhile watching them initially and checking back frequently to ensure no individual is being picked on. If this does happen, put the new quail back into the isolation area and try in a few days.
HABITAT CHANGE
Whether you use an isolation area or not, it is a good idea to have a complete clean-out of your quail coop when you put the new individuals in, even if you have a relatively simple set-up as I showed here. You can move the water and food bowls, change around the bedding and move other features such as nesting areas and dust baths.
This helps to destroy any territory that has been formerly established by the quail, allowing the group to come together without your flock knowing where everything is. It also means that when you put all the quail in, they will go off and explore their new areas rather than turn on each other.
MULTIPLE FEED AND WATER STATIONS
Instead of forcing your original and new quail to all eat and drink in the same place, it’s best to add a couple of new water drinkers and feed stations. This means that if a nervous individual doesn’t want to come into contact with an established quail, it can avoid it. This reduces stress and can help avoid fights.
HIDING PLACES
A number of hiding places is also crucial when you introduce new quail. Your birds need places to hide away from each other, to gain confidence in their new surroundings and to have an area they can retreat to if they’re being attacked.
Sadly, quail really can be quite difficult which is a surprise considering how small and cute they are. However, if you take some or all of the above steps, you can help reduce the potential of fighting and injury when introducing new quail to your flock.