Brooding Quail Chicks

[GaryD]

This thread is for discussion about brooding quail chicks.

[nrllee]

When can the chicks go outside without heat Gary? I've read 3 weeks of age. Sydney isn't as cold but it can still drop to single digits at night.

thanks
Lilian

[GaryD]

Hi Lilian,

I'd leave them under the brooder for full three weeks and then give them a week to harden off a bit for a further week before attempting to put them outside. Even then, I'd be careful if you're expecting a cold snap.

Gary

[tumra]

Lillian,

i typically put my birds outside when they appear to have complete feather coverage, close to 4 weeks of age. At the 3 week mark i turn off the lamp and let shen stay in their brooder box in the garage for a week, then off to the outside pens. Its a bit colder now so i will probably keep them indoors for an extra couple of days.