Advice on keeping quail please

I'm thinking of keeping a few quail for their eggs. I would like to keep them outside on grass and would welcome any advice regarding the best (ie hardiest) breed and the most appropriate housing. The latter needs to be easily moved by one person. Many thanks.

Whatever you keep them in they need to have at least 2'6 headroom. Especially if startled they fly up vertically, if not enough headroom they damage their heads. I had one that broke its neck and I assume that is how, despite 3'6 of headroom!

If you search the internet there is conflicting advice as to how hardy they are. More that says they are not suited to our winters. I kept mine in a large coop in a stable under an open window. I had them during 2 of the very coldest winters including two days of minus 18degrees and many weeks where the temperature did not rise above zero. I would cover the coop top with carpet during the night only and they were fine.

They are easy to keep and if it wasn't for a local flood risk due to damaged flood banks I would replace the ones that drowned.

Be aware whilst I provided covered shelter they do not nest/roost. They must not have feed with an anti coccidiostat (ACS) in. Mine laid very well on chick crumb.