Quail Cage Simple Plans

Quail Cage Simple Plans: Build a Comfortable Home for Your Feathered Friends

Quails, known for their gentle nature and delicious eggs, make charming additions to backyard flocks. Providing them with a comfortable and secure living space is essential for their well-being and productivity. Building a quail cage from scratch can be a rewarding project, allowing you to customize the design to suit your specific needs and preferences. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you craft a simple yet functional quail cage: ### 1. Materials and Tools: -

Cage Frame:

- 1x4 inch pine boards (actual dimensions: 0.75 x 3.5 inches) - 2x4 inch pine boards (actual dimensions: 1.5 x 3.5 inches) - Wood screws -

Cage Wire:

- Galvanized hardware cloth with 1/2 inch mesh size - Wire cutters -

Cage Floor:

- 1/2 inch plywood or wire mesh - Staples or nails -

Cage Door:

- Hinges - Door latch - Wood screws -

Other Supplies:

- Measuring tape - Saw - Drill - Hammer - Nails or staples - Sandpaper - Paint or stain (optional) ### 2. Dimensions and Design: -

Cage Size:

- The cage size depends on the number of quails you plan to house. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2.5 square feet of floor space per bird. - For example, a cage measuring 2 feet wide, 4 feet long, and 2 feet high can comfortably accommodate up to 8 quails. -

Cage Shape:

- You can choose from various cage shapes, including rectangular, square, or even hexagonal. Select a design that suits your available space and preference. ### 3. Building the Cage Frame: -

Cut the Frame Pieces:

- Refer to your chosen cage dimensions and cut the 2x4 inch pine boards for the frame's corner posts and horizontal rails. - Cut the 1x4 inch pine boards for the frame's vertical supports. -

Assemble the Frame:

- Start by attaching the corner posts to the horizontal rails using wood screws. - Then, attach the vertical supports between the horizontal rails, creating a sturdy frame. -

Sand and Finish:

- Sand the frame to smooth out any rough edges. - You can apply paint or stain to the frame for a more polished look, but ensure it's non-toxic and safe for quails. ### 4. Attaching the Cage Wire: -

Cut the Cage Wire:

- Measure the dimensions of the cage frame and cut the hardware cloth accordingly. - Leave a few extra inches on each side for securing the wire to the frame. -

Attach the Cage Wire:

- Staple or nail the hardware cloth to the frame, ensuring it's taut and secure. - Make sure there are no sharp edges or gaps that could injure the quails. ### 5. Installing the Cage Floor: -

Choosing the Cage Floor:

- You can use either 1/2 inch plywood or wire mesh for the cage floor. - Plywood provides a solid surface for the quails to walk on, while wire mesh allows droppings to fall through, making cleaning easier. -

Attaching the Cage Floor:

- If using plywood, cut it to the size of the cage frame and secure it with nails or staples. - If using wire mesh, staple or nail it to the bottom of the frame, ensuring there are no sharp edges. ### 6. Adding the Cage Door: -

Cut the Door Frame:

- Cut a rectangular opening in the front of the cage frame for the door. -

Build the Door:

- Cut a piece of 1x4 inch pine board to the size of the door opening. - Attach hinges to the door and the cage frame, allowing the door to swing open smoothly. -

Install the Door Latch:

- Choose a suitable door latch, such as a hook-and-eye latch or a slide bolt, and install it on the door and the cage frame. ### 7. Finishing Touches: -

Sand and Finish:

- Sand the cage thoroughly to remove any splinters or rough edges. - You can apply a coat of non-toxic paint or stain to protect the wood and make it more durable. -

Add Perches and Nesting Boxes:

- Quails need perches to roost and nesting boxes to lay their eggs. Install several perches of varying heights inside the cage and place nesting boxes in secluded corners. ### Conclusion: Building a quail cage from scratch is a rewarding and cost-effective way to provide your feathered friends with a comfortable