Backyard Fowl Keepers

I'd go with a raised coop for peace of mind. Even the best-sealed structures can develop tiny gaps over time, which rodents will exploit.

I've used feathers for mulch around plants before. They help retain moisture and slowly decompose, adding nutrients to the soil.

Glad to have you here!

For ventilation, think about adding a ridge vent along the peak of the roof. It's effective and out of reach for most predators.

Does she calm down at all when handled, or does she stay aggressive? Some quail are just feisty, but if she's constantly agitated, it might be stress-related.

Sprouted grains might be a good option. Barley fodder, for example, is nutritious, grows in a week, and can be produced indoors if the weather isn't ideal.

If they're avoiding the heat lamp and panting, they're too hot. If they're huddled directly under it, they're too cold. Adjust the lamp height until they're evenly spread and calm.

You can incubate those smaller eggs, but keep in mind that the hatch rate might not be as high as with larger eggs. Hens tend to lay small eggs early in their laying cycle, and over time, the eggs should grow larger. So, it's really up to you whether you want to wait or not.

I think she was likely stressed from both the injury and the rooster's over-mating. It's good that she passed such a large poop after soaking, it could have been constipation or just a result of stress. To prevent this from happening again, I would make sure she's getting plenty of fiber and grit ...

Since she's an older hen, you might also want to check her weight. Sometimes, muscle loss with age can change how skin looks. If she's keeping a good body condition, I wouldn't worry too much.