How to Raise Coturnix Quail: A Straightforward Guide
Coturnix quail are one of the easiest and most productive birds you can raise. They grow fast, lay a lot of eggs, and don’t need much space. If you’re looking to get into backyard farming, raising Coturnix is a smart move. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Start with the Right Setup
Coturnix quail don’t need fancy housing, but they do need it to be clean, secure, and dry. A wire cage off the ground is ideal because it keeps waste away from the birds. Make sure there’s about 1 square foot per bird. They don’t roost like chickens, so you don’t need perches. Cover part of the cage roof so they have shade and protection from rain.
Temperature matters: chicks need to start at about 95°F and you can lower it by 5° each week until they’re fully feathered. Adults are hardy and can handle cooler temperatures, but avoid drafts.
2. Feed Them Right
Coturnix need a high-protein diet. For chicks, feed them a starter feed with at least 24% protein. Adults do best on feed with 20%-24% protein. Supplement their diet with crushed oyster shells if you want strong egg shells.
Always provide clean water. Quail can die quickly without it. Use shallow dishes or waterers designed for chicks to prevent drowning.
3. Understand Their Lifecycle
Coturnix grow at warp speed. They hatch in 17-18 days and can start laying eggs as early as 6 weeks old. They reach full size by 8 weeks. Because they mature so fast, they have short lifespans—about 2 years.
Plan ahead if you want a steady supply of eggs or meat. Many people hatch a new batch every few months to keep their flock productive.
4. Breeding and Incubation
You’ll need a ratio of 1 male to every 4-5 females if you want fertile eggs. Too many males can stress the hens.
Quail almost never brood their own eggs, so you’ll need an incubator. Keep the incubator at 99.5°F with about 45% humidity for the first 14 days, then bump the humidity up to 65%-70% during the last few days to help the chicks hatch.
5. Common Problems to Watch For
- Overcrowding: Leads to fighting and injuries. Give them enough space.
- Predators: Everything loves to eat quail. Make sure your cages are predator-proof.
- Poor hygiene: Dirty cages invite disease. Clean regularly.
- Vitamin deficiencies: If you see weak legs or poor feathering, you might need to add vitamin supplements.
6. Why Coturnix Are Worth It
They’re quiet, fast-growing, and highly productive. You can raise them for eggs, meat, or even sell chicks to other people. A few dozen birds can easily fit into a small backyard setup and produce hundreds of eggs a year.
If you’re looking for a bird that’s low-maintenance and high-yield, Coturnix quail are hard to beat. Set them up right, keep them fed and clean, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Breeding Coturnix Quail: Click Here