keeping chickens and quail together?

[Islaskye]

hi guys, Ive registered with the BHWT to pick up 3 hens in april and am getting the coop and run ready for them.
a friend who has quail has suggested I try keeping quail as well. he said they get on well with chickens and can share the same run. I would really like to give this a go but need to know if any one has any advice.
Is my friend right? will they get on together? will they need a separate coop?
any advice greatly appreciated!

[indy]

I have chickens and quails together, you will need to watch periodically for the first few days for any untoward feather ruffling but mine settled together really quickly and I have no probs with them...good luck

[Islaskye]

thanks Indy,
do you know if they can share the same coop or should I build a separate one?

[indy]

I did build them a seperate coop but they share the same run, I was worried that they would be squashed

[boboff]

Hi

I keep quail and chicken.

The quail did not lay when I put them with the chickens as they are bottom of the food chain.

Quail do not need a roost as such as they sleep on the floor.

A perch for the chickens and enough space so the poor quail don't get "pooped" on at night is sufficient.

You really need to watch the MF ratio with quail as well. One is enough for min 4 up to 10 female I think and best to only have one male to start with. I don't think the chickens mind the quail in with them though.

As suggested just keep an eye on them, a few quail in a small rabbit hutch for a period is ok as well.

[Islaskye]

thanks. I might see if they have any rabbit hutches at the recycle warehouse and give then a separate sleeping area with a smaller entrance. Ill put the quails food in there so the chickens cant scoff it!
do I need to have a male as i dont really plan to breed them?