Most of the domestic quails use nesting boxes for laying eggs. Quail nesting boxes are also required for roosting and security purposes. Like other domestic and prolific bird species, quails also like to lay eggs in a calm, secure and comfortable place.
Providing nesting boxes for your quails will give them some extra needed comfort in laying eggs and it will make them well behaved.
Quail Nesting Boxes
Here we are describing almost everything about quail nesting boxes.
Necessity of Nesting Boxes for Quails
Probably you are doing quail farming business commercially or raising a few quails as pet or for fulfilling family nutritional demands. Whatever your goal is, nesting boxes is very essential for all purposes.
Quail nesting boxes provide them a calm, quiet, secure and comfortable place for laying eggs. Quails also use nesting boxes as roosting place. You can collect eggs from one place. Providing some nesting boxes also help to make your birds well behaved.
Behavior of Quails Without Nesting Boxes
Due to lack of proper nesting boxes, the behavior of your laying quails might reflect their anxiety. Especially, if a laying quail is reproducing but is not relaxed yet.
She might do unusual activities and act in an unusually fidgety manner prior to depositing her eggs.
The quails without nesting boxes available, might lay eggs here and there around their house that can cause damage in eggs. So, try to provide your laying quails an attractive, secure and comfortable nest box.
Setting Up Quail Nesting Boxes
Setup the nesting boxes in a suitable place, so that the birds can easily access the boxes. You can tied up the boxes to the quail’s enclosure structure, slightly off the ground.
You can also place the boxes on the ground in a private (corner or calm side) location. Nesting materials are also very important.
You can use some common and mostly used nesting materials. Quails like smooth materials for this purpose. Generally corn husks, hay, leaves and straw are used as nesting materials for quails.
Some people also use fake grass, but quails usually don’t like this type of items. Whatever the materials you use, ensure that it is comfortable for your laying birds.
Box Cover
Covering is very important for quail nesting boxes. Usually quails greatly appreciate the cover. Overhead, two sides or three sides covering nest box provide them more secure and private environment.
Ample cover help the bird if you are raising them in an aviary. It make an appropriate substitute for a nesting box.
Cover is also very effective for making your birds feel more comfortable and easing frustration. Shrubs are effective forms of cover, if your aviary is located outside.
Straw, screens, fake plants etc. work well as cover for indoor aviary. When nesting, the presence of cover often enables quail to follow their instincts.
Button Quail and Nests
All types of quails are not enthusiastic in nesting boxes. There are some breeds available who have no interest in nesting and seldom make nest. Button quail (Coturnix chinensis) is a good example of this types of bird. They usually don’t depend on nest.
They use holes in sand as nesting instead. But many of this type of birds opt instead to deposit their eggs anywhere they like, usually in an unsystematic and random manner.
Once again, comfortable, safe and secure nesting boxes provide a suitable living environment for your quails. If you wish to raise some quails on your backyard, ensure good living environment for them.
Nutritious feeding, fresh water, good environment and adequate comfortable nesting boxes help your birds to live and produce happily.
What is a Quail Nesting Box Made of?
If you are considering keeping quails, providing them with a suitable nesting box is essential for their wellbeing and productivity.
A quail nesting box can be made of various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. The choice of material should depend on factors such as cost, durability, and personal preference.
The nesting box should also have important features such as appropriate size, an opening for entry and exit, and be elevated off the ground.
By providing a suitable nesting box, you will be able to ensure the wellbeing and productivity of your quails. Here, we will discuss what a quail nesting box is made of and what features it should have.
Firstly, it is important to note that quail nesting boxes can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the resources available and personal preferences. However, the most commonly used materials are wood, plastic, and metal.
Wooden nesting boxes are the most popular option among quail keepers. They are relatively easy to construct and can be customized to suit the specific needs of your birds.
The wood used for constructing the nesting boxes should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the quails and predators, but also lightweight enough to make cleaning and maintenance easy. Cedar, cypress, and redwood are good choices for wood materials as they are naturally resistant to rot and decay.
Plastic nesting boxes are another option that is becoming increasingly popular among quail keepers. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to the elements. Plastic boxes can be easily stacked, making them ideal for small spaces. However, they may not provide the insulation needed to keep the eggs and chicks warm during colder months.
Metal nesting boxes, particularly those made of galvanized steel, are also popular choices for quail keepers. They are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, metal boxes can get hot during summer months, which may affect the wellbeing of the quails and their eggs.
In addition to the material, there are some important features that a quail nesting box should have. Firstly, it should be large enough to accommodate the quails comfortably while also providing enough space for nesting materials such as straw or wood shavings. The size of the box should be proportionate to the number of birds you are keeping. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one square foot of floor space per bird.
The nesting box should also have an opening that is large enough for the quails to enter and exit but small enough to prevent predators from getting inside. The opening should be positioned at the bottom of the box to prevent eggs from rolling out.
Finally, the nesting box should be elevated off the ground to prevent dampness and predators from getting inside. The height of the box should be adjustable to accommodate the growth of the chicks and to make cleaning and maintenance easier.
How to Make a Quail Nesting Box
If you’re planning to keep quails, it’s important to provide them with a comfortable and safe space to lay their eggs. Making a quail nesting box is a simple and straightforward process that can be done with basic woodworking tools and materials.
By providing a comfortable and safe space for your quails to lay their eggs, you’ll be able to ensure their health and productivity. Here we are listing the steps you need to follow to make a quail nesting box.
Materials You Will Need
- 1/2-inch plywood
- 1/4-inch plywood
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Measuring tape
- Screws
- Screwdriver or drill
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Determine the Size of the Nesting Box
The size of the nesting box you need will depend on the number of quails you plan to keep. As a general rule of thumb, each quail will need about 1 square foot of floor space. A nesting box that’s 12 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 12 inches high should be suitable for two quails.
Step 2: Cut the Plywood
Using a saw, cut the 1/2-inch plywood to the dimensions of the nesting box you determined in step 1. Cut two pieces for the front and back, two pieces for the sides, and one piece for the bottom. Then, cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood for the top of the nesting box.
Step 3: Assemble the Box
Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the edges of the plywood pieces and join them together. Secure the pieces with screws. Make sure the corners are square and the edges are flush.
Step 4: Add the Top
Place the 1/4-inch plywood piece on top of the nesting box and secure it with screws. This will serve as the lid of the nesting box and will allow you to access the eggs.
Step 5: Sand and Finish the Nesting Box
Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces on the nesting box. If desired, you can add a coat of paint or stain to the box to protect it from the elements.
Step 6: Install the Nesting Box
Place the nesting box in a quiet, sheltered area where the quails can lay their eggs in peace. You can attach the nesting box to a wall or post, or place it on a raised platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about quail nesting boxes. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about quail nesting boxes, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Will quail use nesting boxes?
Yes, your quails will use nesting boxes for laying eggs. Offer your quails nesting boxes for their comfort in laying eggs.
How big should a quail nesting box be?
Quails are smaller sized birds, so they require less nesting space. Having around 20 square inch nesting space per bird will be enough.
What do quail like to nest in?
Most of the domestic quail like to nest in nesting boxes. So, try to have few nesting boxes inside their house for better comfort in laying eggs.
Do bobwhite quail need nesting boxes?
Yes, like many other domestic poultry birds the bobwhite quails also need nesting boxes.
What bedding is best for quail?
Pine shavings is generally considered best for quail.
What is a quail nesting box made of and how to make it