Quail breeding ..When /how

[jusdeb]

I have 2 x 2 pairs of King Quails in separate aviaries and have done for over a year yet no babies ....
When is breeding season and how do they go about nests etc?

Theres been a lot of calling out by them lately ....back and forth between the aviaries.

[Jayburd]

Hi Deb.
kingies have no real breeding season, and will nest just about anywhere in my experience. However, they do like some privacy, so try putting brush on the bottom of the aviary, and provide GREEN grass and if you can get some, moss.
Finch grass sometimes works too.
I have a pair that laid/reared chicks in a vitamin tablet plastic tub in a very small holding cage they were in while I put the aviary up.

[Jayburd]

as for breeding behaviour and how they go about nests, you will see the male "treading" the hen as a pheasant does. He stands up straight, and sort of does complicated little steps near the hen. then he will come up behind her, and try and grab her nape. if he gets a hold, he will put his feet up, spread his wings and mate. Usually he does this while the hen tries to run away.
If he gets rejected oo many times, he will get angry and possibly begin to pluck his mate.

Nest building, the hen finds a suitable spot, and has a dust bath to create a hollow in the ground. Then she (depending on the bird) will line it wih grass/moss and lay as many eggs as she likes. usually 3-17. as I said, depends on the bird some line some don't.
Nests are usually built under cover of trees or low grass, or between rocks or somewhere sheltered. Having said that, I also have had hens that lay in very open spots.

so no really hard and fast rules, just what your bird like/doesn't like.

Also, sometimes the male (as I am sure you will have heard) can be a pain in the proverbial or a great golden dad. Also a matter of watch and see.

hope you can find something useful in that

[jusdeb]

Very useful ..thing is I have skirts around the aviaries so cant see what goes on at ground level without being in their faces ..
They have plenty of privacy and brush , eat like Kings and are healthy ...hopefully soon .