Valley quail questions

[andbyers]

I have six valley quail, and I would like to get some more.  I have heard that one shouldn't mix new quail with the existing birds.  Can anyone shed some light on this for me? 

Also, I am needing some more valleys if anyone knows of breeders in southern Indiana, Illinois, region.

Thanks

[CalebK273]

A lot of people don't like mixing new birds, but if you don't have a dominant male or hen then it might be ok. 

Or if you don't know if you have a dominant male or hen just put the new birds in and see how they react.  If the older birds peck, scratch, etc. you might want to take the new ones out, but mostly any time you put a new pair in even if there isn't a dominant male or hen there will be some pecking just to ensure pecking order even though they are in a pen and have access to as much food as they would want.

If there is scratching and pecking just take the new birds out and put them in the old birds pen on and off.  Leave them in for about 5 minutes or w/e you think is appropriate then take them out to ensure no deaths will occur.

Hope it helps.

Caleb Kordsmeier

[aKirA]

You can mix them in if they are at around same age or all matured and there is enough room to run and hide in the pen. They'll get used to each other after a few days.

[andbyers]

Thanks.  It is great to know I have got a resource for help.

Andy