Provide Overhead Protection

Cover all enclosures and outdoor runs with a solid roof or securely fastened 1/2" hardware cloth. Ensure there are no gaps at the edges where the roof meets the walls, and fasten coverings with screws rather than staples for a more permanent hold.

Why It Works

Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds that are prime targets for aerial predators like hawks, owls, and crows. An uncovered pen is also vulnerable to climbing predators -- raccoons and cats routinely enter from above. A solid or mesh roof eliminates the most common attack vector for these predators.

Tips

• Use corrugated roofing panels over at least part of the run to provide both predator protection and rain/sun shelter
• If using hardware cloth overhead, support it with cross-braces every 24 inches to prevent sagging under snow or a predator's weight
• Shade cloth alone offers no predator resistance -- always layer it over hardware cloth if shade is needed