Galvanized zinc Hardware cloth

[monkeylingo]

Let me start by saying I'm very new at this.  In fact this is my first posting.  I have five  3-4 week old coturnix chicks for whom I just bought stackable breeder cages .  I want to ad a mesh to the bottom wire floor so their feet won't slip through. 

At Home Depot I excitedly found ¼ inch Hardware Cloth made of galvanized zinc.  I later read this is very toxic to birds.  I don't think the quails will pick at the ground.  Am I safe to attach this to the wire floor? 

If not, what can I use and where can I get it?

Thanks in advance.

[TENNESSERED]

Don't worry about using the galvanized wire with quail.  They won't chew on it.  Other kinds of birds like parrots it can be a problem because of the way they chew on everything!.  The only problem you are going to have with 1/4 hardware clothe is with the quail droppings.  They will not go through and you will have a time cleaning out the bottom of your breeder cages.  I would stick with 1/2 inch at the smallest.  Don't forget to give your quail a nice little box with fresh dirt in it for a dust bath!

Good luck

[monkeylingo]

Thanks TENNESSERED .  I can buy the ½ inch but was afraid the 3-4 week old chicks would get their legs stuck.

You made a good point about the poop patrol once they are older and their droppings are bigger.