quail roundup

[potshooter]

I have really enjoyed all the information that has been passed along on this forum.  Due to all the great advice we have managed to hatch out about 2,000 bobwhite quail on our first try.  They're now 8 weeks old and doing great.   We put about 1,000 of them in the flight pen and we had our first critter attack.  A coon, we spent must of today catching quail that got out, do to the hole that the coon made.  Our pet dog ,who we didn't think was very smart ( he is part cow dog and beagle) has decided to become a retriever, he caught about 3 quail and  brought them to us in his mouth and never hurt them, the only problem is when he gets close to use he drops them and you have to chase the quail again.  After chasing quail all day I walked into my kitchen and low and behold sitting in front of the ice box is a quail.lol Now if that wasn't the easiest one to catch yet. Only four or five more left to catch.  In the first few hours that the quail is out we have figured it takes 3 adults, one very hyper three year old child, 2 dogs, and about six nets to catch a quail.lol :lol:

[Fivehollers]

We had that problem a while back and had to put up an electric fence. That did not really help until we used that good old shotgun. We shot like 15 coons in 3 days. They knew they had a good thing going. Since then no problems. Just have to watch the grandkids and dogs around the fence. although it was commical when the Rott. who likes to eat rabbit droppings  :?  got her head caught too close to the fence. She does not like rabbit droppings anymore and the smell of burning hair is bad.  :lol:  Anyway...the little dauschaund is a great Quail finder and he brings them to us spitty but unharmed as well. Ain't life grand!  

[potshooter]

We put spot lights and a radio outside last night and this morning it looks like it scared the coons away.  Our dachshund is really good about chasing coons away, but she just had pups, they're part dachshund a quarter beagle and a quarter blue healer.  Now if that isn't a combination.  I dont know how good she will do with bring us a quail.  She used to like to kill chickens, so we tied a dead one around her neck.  Now if that wasn't a sight to see. That dog would chase the bus with the chicken around her neck.  It didnt last long she ate the chicken and all that was left was the foot.

We put tin all around the flight pen and now we are putting the electric fence up.  We are going to try some stuff called "Snake Away".  I hope it works to keep the snakes away.  Husband shot one last night trying to get to the quail.  Keep your fingers crossed, if all that doesnt work might have to sleep outside and keep watch.

[theweave]

Electric fence is the way to go.  Put it about six inches off the ground and you should deter all types of critters, including coons and possums.  If you get a problem, the shotgun changes their mind.