Susanna, I've never raised these birds, but I believe quail are still considered more wild than tame. They aren't long-lived birds. They're game birds and rather jumpy. They're unlikely to befriend you like a goat, chicken, or pig might, so don't take it personally. They're ground birds, but letting them on the ground means they're more likely to get worms and diseases, hence the cages. They're popular birds to raise in closets and basements. Like rabbits, they don't take up much space. Are you breeding them? From birth, these birds will be ready to process in 6 to 12 weeks or so. They grow fast and I think that's why many people don't invest in them while they're alive.