Feeding quail

[Forks]

I just throw feed out the ground for them. Find a old box spring and burn it. Use what's left for the ultimate condo once Blackberries or brush grow over it.

[Man Tracker]

Great book on the subject, "The California Quail, by A. Starker Leopold (son of Aldo).  Lots of good info on quail, even if it a little aged.

[Angry Perch]

Great book on the subject, "The California Quail, by A. Starker Leopold (son of Aldo).  Lots of good info on quail, even if it a little aged.

Looks like a good resource. Just ordered a copy.
Thanks!

[baldopepper]

Tried feeding them around my place but seemed to be a predator magnet. Hawks mostly but had to also dispatch a few feral cats that appeared.  Don't know why some people think it's ok to drop cats/kittens off in the country side but they are really rough on quail and other small birds. Don't have any homes really nearby so don't know how else they can keep showing up.

[Angry Perch]

Tried feeding them around my place but seemed to be a predator magnet. Hawks mostly but had to also dispatch a few feral cats that appeared.  Don't know why some people think it's ok to drop cats/kittens off in the country side but they are really rough on quail and other small birds. Don't have any homes really nearby so don't know how else they can keep showing up.

My wife adores cats, until they get close to a bird feeder. Then it's open season!

[Rainier10]

Ive done some research on this as well. One of the brush pile designs was a log cabin fire styked stacking of 4-6" logs then tossing the brush over the top some designes secured thenlogs together then places a piece if tin or plywood over top to keep the pule dry. This may be less of an issue depending upon if your in the rain shadow or not..

That and do everything in your power to kill of predators.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I've seen that as well. Some use a stack of pallets, but I'm not leaving old pallets laying around the joint.

I was told pallets are the way to go, "quail condos".

I was also told "the real key is to kill every raptor you see". 

I would suggest you only follow the first tip, that second one is not a good idea.

[Birdguy]

Lots of great info here, i think all the major points are covered. Predators, cover, food, water, nesting habitat, predators!! The fencing around any feeder you have is mandatory or the Coopers and sharp shinned hawks will feast on them. Also remember to follow the current issues with any other wild bird sickness, congregate birds around a food source and sickness outbreaks get bad in hurry (thinking specifically of the recent issues our state had this spring) if issue arise reduce your feeding and do not leave food out during such an outbreak. They sell birdseed blocks at most feed stores they make them for wild birds as well as chickens. Placed under a cover in one of the habitat piles mentioned it will last quite a while and hold up well. Good luck!! 

[Mech]

I have always wanted to have quail running around on our Sequim property.
Most of the property is forest and bush.
The only thing we really don’t have is water.
How can I get by that?
Would a drip system to a couple of pans work?
Thanks.

[rasbo]

I use cracked corn,it's cheap and the go nuts for it.  I feed next to shrubs and my shed.

[Angry Perch]

Put together a prototype feeder yesterday. Going to paint it green, mount it on a 2"-ish stand and surround with rebar mesh. Will figure out a lid with an overhang to keep the feed dry.

[Angry Perch]

Got the feeder installed with a "raptor cage" around it. Also put in a watering hole that fills off the drip system for the trees. Put weed fabric underneath, and covered with gravel from the driveway and coarse sand. Quail were on it immediately.

[Birdguy]

Liking the idea and efforts! The auto water source is awesome! If it were me I would make that cage around the feeder BIGGER to protect the birds a bit more, maybe build some even "fake" cover into the tree branches so the birds have a better escape route to real cover. I would also watch the tree for hawks and consider topping it to not give the birds of prey a perfect perch right above the feeder. It must have been really rewarding to watch them come right in to your special project!!

[Angry Perch]

Liking the idea and efforts! The auto water source is awesome! If it were me I would make that cage around the feeder BIGGER to protect the birds a bit more, maybe build some even "fake" cover into the tree branches so the birds have a better escape route to real cover. I would also watch the tree for hawks and consider topping it to not give the birds of prey a perfect perch right above the feeder. It must have been really rewarding to watch them come right in to your special project!!

I agree on the cage. It is just a sheet of rebar mesh, so I worked with what I had. I have 50 bare root vine maples heeled in waiting to be planted in the fall (along with 10 Serviceberry and 40 Nootka Rose) as additional thickets throughout the property. I think I'll plant a few of the maples around the pond/ feeder and train them to arch over it and provide some shelter. Immediately to the right of the feeder is a patch of Nootka Rose about 20' x 50'. They love to hang out in there, as it's virtually impenetrable from the top.

[Birdguy]

Solid plan! I love it! Best of luck to you!

[Angry Perch]

Solid plan! I love it! Best of luck to you!

Thanks Birdguy.