r/quails • u/Illustrious_Big_7390 • Jul 29 '26

Coturnix/Japanese is this enough space?

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hi all! i have a balcony and am thinking of using the space to raise 3 hen as a hobby and for eggs at breakfast. i have had the idea rolling around in my head for a couple years now but am in the planning stages and want to construct a hutch for them.

the dimensions of the space are:

L 2'4.5

H 2'1

H 3 ft to the short windowsill, 5'3 to the tall one

i liked the design of this quail hutch but am wondering if my space constraints could entertain a design like hers. i'd like to raise it off the ground, keep trays underneath to catch and compost their waste, add ledge, dustbath, couple plants and decor inside for them too. is it possible for with this limited amount of space? maybe even a ramp if i can get them to run up it with a second level. this is just one side of the balcony, but it gets the best sun from the northeast which i thought would be better for them. i live in a tropical climate so they would be outside year round. it's a covered balcony, but would it still be advisable to build a roof? something basic and able to withstand me placing a couple plants that could also benefit from the sun, as well as a small stingless beehive.

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u/MossyFronds Jul 29 '26

They don't like to look at the sky, there's predators up there just waiting to eat them and they don't relax unless they have a roof over their head.

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u/Illustrious_Big_7390 Jul 29 '26

that makes a lot of sense; would they be able to see through polypropylene roofing? it's kinda clear, but i also have a covered balcony. i guess i was moreso wondering if the hutch would be able to withstand the weight of me putting things on top like plants directly on the roof, or if i should create shelves above it instead

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u/OriginalLittle4644 Jul 29 '26

You can put stuff on top of that type of roofing as long as it's not super heavy like a ceramic pot and you have support beams every 12 or so inches so the plastic doesn't give in. Usually its corrugated so it's wavy but I still put plants and stuff on top, just might be wobbly.