If there’s 1 thing I’ve learned from raising Coturnix quail it’s the fact that they are very ruthless and cannibalistic!  This happens mostly when new members are introduced to the flock.  I use the “playpen” method and several distractions such as treats a new hiding place etc. when introducing new members but this doesn’t always work, they are not very accepting no matter what efforts are made to make the transition go smoothly.

Earlier this week, I introduced some newbies to the flock and a few days went by with no drama, and then…….last night while doing my nightly routine with the animals, I found this girl (see photo).  She’s 1 of the newbies and she has been singled out by the others.  They have “scalped” her!

scalped quail

It’s ugly I know but believe it or not she’s doing ok.  A little time away from the flock and some antibacterial ointment (without pain reliever) and back into the flock she goes.

One thing I don’t recommend in a case such as this, is isolating from the flock unless you use the “playpen” method again for the simple fact that, you CAN NOT introduce just 1 bird to a whole flock, the others will kill the single bird!  I took her out for about an hour, treated her, made sure she got some food and water and then once all the others were down for the night, I placed her back into the coop.

This morning I found her hanging out in a corner with a large male laying beside her, hopefully he is protecting her.  The others don’t seem interested in her so far today.  I will have to keep a close eye on them and repeat the process if it happens again.  I will keep ointment on her head which will hopefully help to keep the others from pecking at her.

It’s always something with these quail.  I believe I have more dramatic adventures with them, then any other animal on the ranch.