CHINESE QUAIL MALE

Question
I found my male Chinese Quail to suddenly have lost feathers on his back under his wings.  I have never seen him or the female fighting, but yesterday when he wasn't interested in his broccoli (which he usually eats from my hand) I had a good look.  His little bottom is "bloody" and I then saw the female peckking at it from time to time.  I have taken him out and put him in a smaller cage, but he as well as the female is calling for each other a lot.  I have now placed his cage in the big cage so that she can't get to him, but they can at least see each other.  Why has this happened and how long do I keep them apart?
Thanks

Answer
Hi, Carine.  Thanks for posting your questions.

I'm sorry, but I don't know much of anything about quail.  I owned a couple pairs years ago, but I didn't have them long so I didn't learn much about them.  Sounds to me like your male has a medical problem that needs some attention.  I found a website on the Internet that might be able to help you:  http://www.zebrafinch.com/zebrafinch/NewButtonquail/MainQuail.html

I'd contact this person about your situation and see if s/he can help.  Otherwise, a trip to the avian vet might be in order.

Sorry I couldn't be of any help, Carine.

Chrys