Johnny house
What is a Johnny house?
A Johnny House is a recall pen for quail. It is often used by bird dog trainers and quail plantations to keep their quail housed at night so they can use them for training the next day. But at Just Wingin it Gamebirds, we think it is also a great option for homesteads or backyard poultry keepers to keep their quail on their property.
How does it work?
Johnny houses have a one way funnel system that the quail can enter through but can not get back out. The funnel system is just big enough for the quail to get through but not for predator's to get in after the quail. This creates a safe place for the quail to rest till the next training day. A Johnny house is similar to a chicken house, as with some training, it can be a place where your quail comeback to feed and roost for the night. This is a great way to keep your quail healthy, fed, and waterer but most importantly keeps them safe from predators. You can even make your johnny house portable by adding wheels!
Johnny houses are designed with a wire top section and ledges that quail can land on. The wire sections can be equip with doors to release the quail. You are able to release all of them of just a few at a time.
How Does it Recall my quail?
You can release your quail every morning but be sure to leave at least 1 male behind. In the evening, quail are more talkative and his calls will help bring the other released quail back home.
Why should i have a Johnny house?
Johnny houses work best for Bobwhite Quail. Since bobwhites are native to our habitats in the US, the house will provide them a safe refuge. It will also help keep your wild quail from wandering away. I mean if you had free food and water, would you leave? Speaking of free food, another great thing to note is the house will keep your quail feed safe from scavengers!
Giving free range quail a johnny house allows you to keep track of the flock. Whether you use them for hunting, training, or just for fun, johnny houses can be used for quite a few things:
It can keep birds all year round
Protect them from extreme weather
Provide protection from predators
Provide a safe source of feed and water
Keep your birds “ready to use” for training purposes
Have a fun option to help repopulate our bobwhites
Most Johnny house designs that you can find online are big enough for 15-30 quail. This is a nice number to keep if you are dog training. Please keep in mind some of the birds may not recall or may not make it in the wild.
If you are planning to try to repopulate a wild covey, we recommend you should release 100-200 bobwhites to give them a better chance of survival
Where should I place my Johnny House?
The number one thing to keep in mind when placing a johnny house is to make sure it is good quail habitat. The second thing to keep in mind is that it is a good idea to place it in an area that is easily huntable (if you are planning on hunting.) Quail like natural grass with heavy cover. You can always plant food plots for them such as sorghum or wheat. Other options we suggest are to provide ample cover, such as large brush piles.
How to Build a Johnny House?
Super informative video to learn more!
Time 1:05 - How it works
Time 1:38 - Gives specs of house
Time 2:10 - Placement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUe8Ket-m8o
