10 Easy Quail Enclosure Ideas for Any Backyard

Quail are weirdly underrated birds. They’re small, productive, pretty easygoing – and surprisingly fun to raise. But here’s the catch: their enclosures make or break the whole experience.

A bad pen? You’ll spend your time cleaning, chasing escapees, or dealing with predators. A good one? Quiet birds, clean eggs, and a whole lot less stress.

This isn’t just a list of generic coop ideas. These are setups that homesteaders actually use – and stick with. Some are designed for natural foraging, others for super easy cleanup.

A few pull double-duty as part of your garden or greenhouse. Whether you’ve got a few square feet or a big patch of land, there’s an idea in here that’ll fit.

We’re talking about real, practical pens that solve real problems. Just 10 solid ways to keep your quail safe, healthy, and doing what quail do best.

Let's get into it!

1. Above-Ground Pens or Hutches

This setup’s all about staying clean and keeping things simple. Above-ground quail pens (sometimes called hutches) are raised off the ground, usually on legs.

You’ll see a lot of people using single-story rabbit hutch designs for this. Why? Because they just work.

The real beauty here is in the floor. Use 1/2-inch hardware cloth, and the droppings fall straight through. No stomping, no mess caking up in the corners, no birds sleeping in their own waste.

Just pull the tray out (yep, you’ll want a tray or board underneath), dump it, and slide it back in. Done.

These pens are also easier to move than you’d think. Some folks slap wheels on the legs – and now you’ve got a mobile setup. Sunny out? Roll it to the yard. Cold snap? Tuck it in a garage or barn. Super flexible.

Of course, this setup isn’t for everyone. Quail don’t get to scratch around in the dirt or take dust baths unless you add a tray of soil or sand inside.

But if you're more focused on cleanliness, egg collection, or keeping them near your house, this design checks a lot of boxes.

2. Ground-Level Pens

Now this one’s the opposite of the above-ground setup – quail right on the dirt. Some people swear by it. Why? Because it gives your birds the closest thing to a natural life.

Drop a few branches in there, maybe a pile of dried leaves, and suddenly they’re scratching, hiding, taking dust baths like they’ve been living wild all along. It’s actually fun to watch.

And if you set the pen near your garden, bonus – they’ll snack on bugs, maybe even help with pest control.

The downside? Cleaning takes more effort. You’re not pulling out a tray anymore. You’ve got to rake, shovel, or move the pen. And predator protection? Way more important here – because now the quail are accessible from below.

Still, for small flocks and backyard setups where you want to watch your birds just… be birds? Hard to beat it.

3. Cold Frame Style Pens

If you’ve got an old cold frame sitting around, this one’s for you. Or even if you don’t – they’re easy to build. The basic idea is to take a low, angled gardening structure and rework it into a quail pen.

Instead of glass or plastic on the sides? Use 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Same frame, just swapped materials. The slanted roof sheds water, the low profile keeps it discreet, and the ground access is great for birds that like to scratch and dust bathe.

It’s not as sturdy as a full coop, and it won’t hold up to deep snow – but in fair weather, it’s a quick, budget-friendly option that just… works. Especially for temporary housing or smaller flocks.

4. Quail Tractor

Okay, this one’s clever – and surprisingly effective. A quail tractor is a small, lightweight pen you move every few days. That’s it. Just shift it to fresh ground and let the birds do their thing.

They get new dirt to scratch, new bugs to chase, and your yard doesn’t get overwhelmed with droppings. Foragers love it. And you don’t need a barn or shelter – just a grassy patch and a bit of space.

People build these in all shapes, but most are low, rectangular boxes with wire bottoms and tops.

Some are fancy, with built-in handles or wheels. Others? Literally just framed wire with a tarp on top. Doesn’t matter – as long as it’s secure and moveable.

It’s a rotating snack bar and cleanup system in one. Efficient and low-stress.

5. Covered Garden Bed Style Pens

This one’s a little offbeat – but also kinda brilliant. You take the concept of a raised garden bed and turn it into a quail pen. Low frame. Secure sides. Open top covered with wire.

You can plant stuff inside the pen. Not huge plants – just lettuce, herbs, clover. Quail nibble, forage, hang out. You get dual use out of the space.

Best practice? Use 1/4 inch hardware cloth on every side, especially the top.

Quail are small, but predators are persistent. And if you're growing anything edible in there, you’ll want to keep raccoons, rats, and curious cats out.

It’s not ideal for big flocks or serious egg production. But for a few birds? It's a fun mix of enclosure and living salad bar.

6. Aviary or Open-Air Pens

Big, walk-in, roomy – aviaries are the luxury apartment of quail setups. If you’ve got the space, there’s something nice about being able to step inside and watch your birds flit around a more open area.

Technically, you can build one open-top. Just use wire sides and a 3-sided shelter inside.

But if raccoons are a thing in your area (they usually are), go ahead and cover the top with 1/2 inch hardware cloth too. Better safe than sorry.

At ground level, predators might dig in – so line the perimeter with pavers or bury wire along the base. It takes more effort upfront, but it makes the whole setup way more secure.

These pens are ideal if you’ve got a decent flock and want to give them space to stretch, run, and live a little wilder – without losing control of the environment.

7. Cottage-Style Quail Coop

This one’s more about form than function – but that doesn’t mean it skimps on usability. Cottage-style coops are built to blend in. Think backyard charm.

Something that wouldn’t look out of place under a white picket fence or next to a flower bed.

People usually build these to sit under residential fence lines. They’re compact, often painted, and meant to be… well, cute. But the good ones still have the basics: decent airflow, predator-proofing, a protected shelter, and easy access to eggs.

You won’t be housing a massive flock here – but for a few birds in a suburban backyard? Totally doable. It’s a smart way to keep quail without drawing the kind of attention that might have your HOA knocking.

8. Greenhouse and Quail Coop Combo

This one’s a little ambitious but pretty amazing when it’s done right. The idea? Combine a greenhouse and a quail enclosure in the same structure.

You get plant growth up top, birds living below, and everything warms up just a bit more in cold weather. Quail won’t mess with the plants (they don’t jump much), so your lettuce, herbs, or starts are safe.

Use natural mulch for the flooring and 1/2 inch hardware cloth over any high vent windows – you want good air circulation without inviting predators in.

This is perfect for someone trying to do more with less space. Or someone who just really likes integrated systems. Either way – efficient and cool.

9. Adapted Chicken Run Plans

If you've already got chicken coop plans or a partially built run lying around – don’t toss it. You can adapt it for quail. Especially if it’s over 50 inches tall and fully enclosed.

The key is to make sure it’s not open on top (quail aren’t great fliers, but hawks are) and to add a 3-sided shelter inside. They need protection from rain and wind, even if the run itself is solid.

At ground level, reinforce with buried wire or heavy-duty chicken wire. Most chicken runs aren’t built with tiny predators in mind – but quail enclosures need that extra security.

With a few tweaks, you've got a solid setup – especially if you're downsizing from chickens or just want to repurpose materials.

10. Stacked Quail Cages for Small Spaces

Last but not least: the stacked cage setup. Not glamorous. But insanely practical – especially indoors or in tight areas like garages, sheds, or even basements (yep, people do it).

These are wire cages arranged in tiers, usually with droppings trays between each level. Super easy to clean. And they save a ton of space. If you’re breeding quail or collecting eggs daily, this is a go-to.

Each layer should have feed and water access, of course. And some natural light or supplemental LED lighting goes a long way. You’re giving up the natural environment, sure – but gaining efficiency, especially in winter or rainy seasons.

Great for serious setups in small spaces. Not cozy, not scenic… but it gets the job done.

Choose your setup, build it your way, and start raising quail that thrive.

There’s no one-size-fits-all quail setup. Some folks want clean and efficient. Others want natural and hands-off. A few want something that looks nice in the yard or tucks under the radar in a suburban space.

But across all ten of these ideas – there’s one thing they have in common: they work. Not just in theory, but in real backyards, barns, and homesteads where people raise quail for eggs, meat, or just the fun of it.

Pick the setup that fits your land, your climate, and your style. Add what makes sense. Skip what doesn’t.

Your quail won’t care if it’s pretty. They’ll care if it’s safe, dry, and gives them room to do what they’re wired to do.

Get that right, and everything else – healthy birds, clean eggs, fewer problems – tends to fall into place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about raising quail? Whether you're just starting or tweaking your setup, these quick answers cover the most common things new keepers wonder about.

1. What’s the easiest type of quail enclosure to build?

Above-ground hutches. They’re simple, compact, and great for keeping things clean especially if you don’t want to deal with ground-level mess.

2. Can I keep quail in the same coop as chickens?

Technically? Maybe. But it’s not ideal. Chickens can bully quail, spread disease, and hog resources. Separate pens are much safer.

3. How big should each quail enclosure be?

At least 1 square foot per bird. More if you can spare it. Quail don’t need a ton of space, but crowding causes stress (and fewer eggs).

4. What’s the best way to predator-proof a quail pen?

Use 1/4 or 1/2 inch hardware cloth on all sides. Bury it along the perimeter, and don’t forget the top – raccoons and hawks are relentless.

5. Can I raise quail indoors year-round?

Yep. Especially in stacked cage setups. Just make sure they get proper ventilation, a clean environment, and enough light.