Keeping Quail in an Aviary: Care and Species Guide

Many people with an aviary, be it an outside wooden one or a large cage style, often choose to keep quail in them. Most commonly, the Chinese Painted Quail are kept; they are the smallest species, but Japanese and Californian Quail are also widely bred and sold in the UK.

Quails belong to the Phasianidae family, which includes pheasants, partridges and chickens, and are often classed as poultry. This family also includes grouse, guineafowl and turkeys.

Chinese Painted Quail

The Chinese Painted Quail (CPQ) is around 4-5 inches in length and originated from south-east Asia and Australia. Males in the wild have distinctive white and black facial markings and a grey breast, while hens are mostly shades of brown. Captive bred birds exhibit numerous colour variations including brown males, grey-white birds and a lavender shade.

CPQ are ideal for aviaries as they act like little bird vacuum cleaners, foraging on the ground for food spilled by other birds. They have no special dietary requirements and are generally non-aggressive. Some have even been known to shelter fledglings of other bird species that cannot yet fly. They prefer shelter at night and a place to build nests but are very adaptable.

Their calls are a constant low chirp among themselves, escalating with distinctive loud calls by the male when the hen is ready to breed. Mating can look rough, with males grabbing feathers on the backs of female heads. This can lead to bald patches but is normal behaviour.

Due to many quail being hatched in incubators, some birds have lost the instinct to incubate and raise their young. Hens can lay eggs prolifically, and eggs can be collected within two weeks of laying for incubation. Incubated chicks need supplemental heat from a red heat lamp that is gradually removed as they grow.

Japanese Quail

Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica), a bit larger at about 6 inches, have richer throat markings on males and louder calls. Originating from south-east Asia, they require larger aviary space. A ratio of one male to several females helps prevent disputes. They forage on the aviary floor and enjoy planted shelter spaces.

Similar to CPQs, many incubator-bred Japanese Quail lack parenting skills. When successfully raised, young quail are mobile and learn to feed quickly, becoming independent by about four weeks.

Harlequin Quail

Harlequin Quail (Coturnix delegorguei) from south and east Africa are slightly larger (6-7 inches). Males display a distinctive throat mask absent in females. They do well in mixed aviaries if adequately sized, with more females than males recommended. These birds are more sensitive to cold weather and benefit from winter heating.

They nest in ground holes but hens can sometimes neglect eggs, which if found scattered can be returned to the nest or a new nest provided. Breeding challenges due to incubation rearing are similar to other quail species.

California Quail

The California Quail (Lophortyx californicus) is the largest species here, about 10 inches long. Males have striking black and white throat markings with a long black crest; females have smaller brown crests. They require shelter from moisture and rain due to sensitivity. Diet can be standard aviary food plus green foods, insects and grit.

California Quail are stronger fliers and often roost above ground on branches at night. This behaviour can disturb smaller birds, so careful aviary cohabitation planning is important.

Their breeding habits are similar to other quail, with clutches sometimes reaching 20 eggs. Chicks hatch after 18-23 days and begin feeding immediately.

Aviary Housing and Care

Quail thrive in aviaries that mimic natural conditions, offering space to run, forage, and shelter. A recommended size for a pair is about 2 metres by 1.5 metres, with half the roof covered and at least one solid wall for protection. A double door entry system helps prevent escapes.

Flooring should be natural where possible, covered with sand or deep litter such as straw, mulch or leaves to encourage natural foraging and to keep the birds comfortable. Providing hideaways like wooden crates, hollow logs, or dense plants offers security and enrichment.

Safety is paramount. Use mesh small enough to prevent escapes and keep predators out. Regular cleaning and bedding refresh help maintain hygiene, and extra bedding or heating may be needed in cold winters.

Breeding Considerations

Many captive-bred quail require incubators due to loss of natural breeding instincts. Collecting eggs regularly and incubating them yourself can help in producing healthy young. Once hatched, chicks need warmth from a red heat lamp and acclimatising gradually to conditions outside the brooder.

Conclusion

Keeping quail in an aviary provides practical benefits, such as clearing leftover food and controlling insects, plus enjoyable companionship. Each species has unique traits and care requirements, but all benefit from secure, spacious, and enriching environments. Responsible ownership means providing appropriate conditions for health, welfare and natural behaviour, fostering a rewarding experience with these delightful birds.