In a world where hustle and bustle is the daily norm, there comes a time where everyone needs to decompress and go on vacation. Yet, how do you do that with a flock of backyard quail?

Going on a long vacation while caring for quail can be a bit challenging, but it’s possible with some careful planning. And don’t worry, you can still go on vacation even if you don’t know anyone willing to care for your birds while you’re gone.

Read on for a guide on how to prepare your quail for a vacation with or without someone to watch them.

Preparing Quail for a Vacation with a Sitter

The best way to ensure your quail are well taken care of is to find a trustworthy quail sitter. Look for a friend, neighbor, or a use a pet sitting site to hire someone who can feed, water, and check on your quail daily. Make sure they understand the responsibilities and if possible have them over before you leave to run them through your daily routine.

Here are some steps to help you prepare for your vacation while ensuring the well-being of your flock:

1. Provide Detailed Instructions: Create a detailed care guide for your quail sitter. Include information on feeding, watering, cleaning, and any special requirements your quail might have. Ensure they understand the importance of clean, fresh water and food daily. Quail will become very aggressive and harm their fellow quail if they run out of food or water.
2. Stock Up on Supplies: Before your vacation, make sure you have enough quail feed, bedding, and other essential supplies to last for the entire duration of your trip. This will ensure your quail sitter has everything they need.
3. Automate Watering: Consider using an automated watering system, such as a poultry nipple or a water dispenser with a large capacity, to reduce the need for daily watering. This will make it easier for your quail sitter to manage the task. I use a 5-gallon food grade bucket with either poultry nipples or cups. (affiliate links)
4. Schedule Feedings: Create a feeding schedule for your quail sitter. Quail typically need to be fed at least once a day, but you can provide specific instructions based on your quail’s needs.
5. Clean Before You Leave: Do a thorough cleaning of your quail enclosure before you leave. This will make the job easier for your quail sitter and help maintain a healthy environment for your birds.
6. Secure the Coop: Double-check the security of your quail coop to protect your birds from predators. Make sure all doors and latches are secure.
7. Arrange for Emergency Contact: Provide your quail sitter with an emergency contact in case they have questions or encounter issues they can’t handle. This could be your number or another experienced quail keeper.
8. Monitor Remotely: If possible, set up a remote monitoring system to keep an eye on your quail while you’re away. There are cameras and apps that can help you check in on your birds.

With the right preparations and a trusted caregiver, you can enjoy your trip while ensuring your quail are well-cared for in your absence.

Preparing Quail for a Vacation without a Sitter

If you have no one to watch your quail during a long vacation, and you’re unable to arrange for their care, you’ll need to make preparations to ensure their well-being during your absence. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your quail before going on vacation:

1. Self-Feeding and Watering Systems: Install automatic feeders and waterers for your quail. There are various types available that can dispense feed and water as needed. Make sure to test these systems before your trip to ensure they are functioning correctly. I like to use 5 gallon food grade buckets with poultry cups for my water, and 5 gallon food grade buckets with DIY feeders for their food. (affiliate links)
2. Provide Shelter and Security: Make sure your quail coop is secure and well-maintained to protect your birds from predators and the elements. Repair any holes or weak points in the coop structure.
3. Regular Maintenance: Before leaving, thoroughly clean the quail coop, replacing bedding and removing any waste to maintain a healthy environment. This will minimize the risk of disease and discomfort for your quail.
4. Shade and Shelter: Ensure the quail coop has adequate shade to protect the birds from excessive heat. Also, provide additional shelter or windbreaks if your area experiences adverse weather conditions.
5. Extra Water and Food: Place extra water and food in the coop in case of equipment failures. This will ensure your quail have a backup supply. For my quail pens, I add extra chick waterers and extra feeders. However, the ideal way to prepare for a long vacation is to use feeders and waters that can be hung on the outside of the cage to help prevent overcrowding. (affiliate links)
6. Predator Deterrents: Set up motion-activated lights or deterrents to discourage predators from approaching the coop. I use owls and never had an issue. I prefer not to use motion lights because it disrupts the quails sleep, and I’ve watched foxes continue to circle my aviary even when the lights flicked on.
7. Monitor Weather: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and make necessary adjustments to the coop for temperature extremes or storms. Provide extra bedding in cold weather.
8. Test Systems: Test your automated systems regularly leading up to your vacation to make sure they are functioning correctly and to make sure you provide enough food to last the duration of your trip. gallon bucket of feed in about 2 days. All I ever needed to do was add a second 5-gallon bucket of feed and couple of chick water containers.
9. Emergency Contacts: Provide a trusted neighbor or friend with emergency contact information and ask them to check on your quail periodically.

While these preparations can help your quail survive during your absence, it’s important to note that quail, like all animals, are best cared for when someone can check on them.

If you can’t find a dedicated quail sitter, consider local avian or poultry clubs, online communities, or social media groups where you may find someone willing to help in exchange for eggs or other quail-related benefits.

How Long Can You Leave a Quail Unattended

The longest I left my quail without anyone to check on them was 3 days. Their aviary was secure with a layer of ½ hardware cloth, and since it was winter, a layer of greenhouse plastic. (affiliate links) I also line the edge of the aviary with logs to help discourage animals from trying to dig under.

The weather dropped to 7 degrees while I was gone, yet I didn’t have an issue with freezing water due to their winter housing.

(Check out my article How to Prepare Quail for Winter for more information.)

For those who want to go on vacation during winter and are worried about their quail waters freezing, consider using a heated water bottle and or waterer heated base for large waters. If you require an extension cord for either of these products you might want to consider having someone check a little more regularly to ensure the cords are functioning properly. (affiliate links)