Coturnix Quail Pen Setup: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’ve decided to raise Coturnix quail—good call. These birds are low-maintenance, fast-growing, and great for beginners. But the pen you set them up in? That’s where it all starts. A well-designed quail pen sets the foundation for healthy, productive birds, whether you’re raising them for eggs, meat, or both.
When I built my first pen, I had no idea how much of a difference small changes could make. From choosing the right wire to figuring out how to manage drafts in winter, I’ve learned what works by trial and error. Whether you’re raising quail in your backyard, a garage, or a spare corner of your homestead, this guide will help you create a setup that keeps your birds safe, comfortable, and thriving.
Choose the Right Location
Before you dive into materials or pen designs, you’ll want to think about where your quail will live. If you’re not sure how to pick the right spot, I’ve put together a guide that walks through how to evaluate space, airflow, drainage, and other factors that matter when choosing your pen location. The setup and conditions will look a little different depending on whether you raise them inside or out.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Pens
Your first step is deciding where your pen will go—indoors or outdoors. That choice depends on your space, climate, and goals.
Outdoor pens work well if you’ve got a backyard or garden. Your quail get fresh air and natural light, which supports both egg production and general health. Just make sure to provide shelter from wind, rain, and harsh sun. A partially shaded spot works best, and windbreaks like fencing, tarps, or shrubs can go a long way in winter.
I raise my birds in Maine, where weather is no joke. If you’re in a colder region, I’ve put together some winter-specific advice in this post on raising quail through the rough seasons.
Indoor pens are great if you have a shed, garage, or spare room. They give you more control over temperature and predator protection. Just make sure you have solid ventilation—stale air leads to ammonia buildup fast.
Keep Predators in Mind
Quail are tiny and not very predator-savvy, so your pen needs to be secure. Raccoons, rats, cats, hawks—you name it, they’ll try. Use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, and secure every side: top, bottom, and all four walls. Even indoors, don’t underestimate pets or rodents.
Build a Pen with Enough Space
Once you’ve picked the right location, it’s time to think about space. Coturnix quail don’t take up much room, but they still need enough to stay healthy and stress-free.
How Much Space Do Quail Need?
Coturnix don’t need much room, but overcrowding leads to stress, pecking, and lower egg production. You can fit about 2 to 3 quail per square foot in a pen setup. A 10-square-foot pen can comfortably house 20–30 birds, depending on your design and how much enrichment you include. It’s also worth noting that giving quail too much space can sometimes backfire—if they spread out too far, they may become territorial, leading to squabbles within the covey.
Thinking about raising quail in a smaller backyard or even on a patio? These birds are quieter, less messy, and far more discreet than chickens, which makes them a better fit for most small-space setups.
Vertical Space and Enrichment
Quail flush upward when startled, so ceiling height matters. Less than 12 inches or more than 6 feet helps prevent injuries. Soft netting or padding on the ceiling can add extra protection. Toss in some rocks, ramps, or boxes to explore—it helps reduce boredom and mimics natural behavior.
Pick the Right Pen Style
Once you know how much space you need, it’s time to decide what kind of pen setup works best for your space and goals. The style you choose will affect everything from cleaning routines to your quail’s comfort.
Wire Pens vs. Ground Pens & Tractors
Wire-bottomed pens are easy to clean and reduce the risk of disease. Just be sure to use coated wire to protect their feet. These setups work well for efficiency and cleanliness, especially if you’re managing multiple coveys or working in a limited space.

Ground pens, on the other hand, offer more natural enrichment. Quail love to scratch, dust bathe, and forage, and being directly on the ground allows them to express those behaviors. Just remember to bury hardware cloth at least 6–12 inches around the perimeter to stop digging predators. Good drainage is also important—choose a spot that doesn’t puddle, and add a light layer of mulch, hay, or natural material to help keep things dry and reduce mud during rainy spells.
Stacked Cages for Space Efficiency
Short on space? Stacked cages let you raise multiple coveys in a compact footprint. I personally use and like the Hatching Time cages—they’re well-designed, easy to clean, and incredibly durable. The removable waste trays between each level catch droppings and make cleanup quick, while the smooth plastic surfaces are easier on the birds’ feet than wire alone. Each section slides out for easy access, and the built-in feeders and waterers simplify daily care. Just make sure to keep air circulating around the setup to avoid moisture and odor buildup.
Include the Essentials
Now that you’ve got your pen style picked out, it’s time to add the things your birds will use every day. A well-stocked setup makes daily care easier and helps prevent common issues.
Food and Water Systems
Nipple-style waterers are my go-to—they keep the water clean and cut down on mess. If your setup is outdoors, toss in a copper penny to reduce algae. Use a game bird feed with 20–24% protein, and always provide extra calcium for layers (crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone does the trick). If you’re raising quail for egg production, I break down what nutrients matter most and what results you can expect.
Want a deep dive into feeding routines? Here’s my full guide on feeding Coturnix quail at every stage.
Resting Spots and Stress Reduction
If you’re using wire-bottomed pens—which most people do for ease of cleaning—your birds still benefit from a few comfort upgrades. Adding flat resting pads, low platforms, or shallow trays filled with sand gives your quail a place to get off the wire and relax. These spots also give them a sense of security, helping to lower stress and support consistent egg laying. Overturned boxes or tucked-away corners make great hiding spots too, which mimic the natural cover quail would seek out in the wild.
Keep the Environment Healthy
Once your pen is stocked and your birds are settled, it’s time to think about long-term health. A clean, well-managed environment makes a huge difference in how your quail perform.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Whether your pen is indoors or outside, airflow is key. Poor ventilation means ammonia, and ammonia means respiratory issues. I use the Honeywell Allergen Plus HEPA air purifier in my indoor pens and clean the filters regularly. Outside, wire walls usually do the job, just don’t park your pen in a wind tunnel.
Temperature Control
Quail do best between 60–75°F. Skip the heat lamps—they’re a fire hazard and not necessary. Instead, use extra bedding, insulated walls, and windbreaks to keep your birds warm in winter.
If you’re raising birds in cold conditions, here’s my post on keeping quail healthy through Maine winters.
Keep It Dry
Keeping your quail pen dry is crucial for bird health. In raised wire setups, use pine shavings in the manure trays to soak up moisture and make cleaning easier. For ground pens, while traditional bedding isn’t always used, it’s still important to avoid wet, muddy conditions. Good drainage is a must—standing water or damp areas can lead to foot issues and respiratory problems. Make sure your pen is on a well-draining surface and consider adding mulch or other natural materials to help manage moisture during rainy spells.
Set Up Lighting for Egg Production
Coturnix need 14–16 hours of light per day to keep laying. In the summer, natural light usually handles it. In winter, you’ll want to add lighting on timers to extend their daylight. I use LED rope lighting (outdoor safe) and set it to mimic sunrise and sunset.
If your egg count drops with the seasons, this guide will help you troubleshoot and boost production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coturnix quail flush upward when startled, so pen height matters. To prevent injury, go with less than 12 inches or more than 6 feet. If you’re in that in-between range, add soft padding or netting to the ceiling to cushion any jumps.
Absolutely—as long as it’s well-ventilated, protected from wind and predators, and kept clean. Make sure it’s not exposed to direct sun all day, and use a solid floor or catch tray to keep droppings from becoming an issue.
It depends on your setup. Wire flooring (½” hardware cloth) is common in raised pens and works well when paired with resting pads. Ground pens should have natural earth or sand that drains well and isn’t prone to flooding. Avoid flooring that gets slick, muddy, or too rough on their feet.
Yes—always. A roof keeps out rain, predators, and harsh sun. It also helps prevent the bedding or ground from getting too wet, which keeps your birds more comfortable and your cleanup easier.

A good pen makes all the difference when you’re raising Coturnix quail. With the right space, predator protection, ventilation, and supplies, your birds will stay safe, comfortable, and productive.
Setting up your first pen might feel like a big task, but once it’s done, quail care is one of the easiest parts of homesteading. Get it right from the start, and your covey will reward you with eggs, meat, and a whole lot of joy.