How to raise a quail?

Quail, yes! I am talking about a quail, one of the most underrated birds in the field of homesteading. Nowadays, it’s becoming popular, and many homesteaders look to keep them as pet birds. Fortunately, quail, like chickens, are not that hard to grow and raise. These tiny birds reward more than you deserve if you include them in your homesteading.

I started with just a few Coturnix in a simple DIY cage, unsure of what I was doing. But within weeks, I had eggs on the table and a growing interest I never expected.

These little creatures are hardy, quiet, and don’t ask for much, which makes them perfect for backyards, balconies, or small garden spaces.

Not up to that, they provide you a regular supply of eggs and even meat if you want, if you provide them the right setup and a little bit of care. I have found them easy to keep, beginner-friendly, and a great choice if you want a low-maintenance animal to raise.

Why Raise Quail?

Raising quail has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, and I’m not alone. More and more backyard farmers, homesteaders, and even folks in small suburban spaces are getting into it.

If a bird is delightful to watch, demands very little space, requires no keeping efforts, and rewards much in return, then what’s bad in raising them?

Quail require very little space, about 1 square foot per bird. You can keep them in both rural and urban areas. They can even be raised in your house patios. These tiny creatures are quiet and neighbor-friendly. Even their males are much quieter than chickens. Their sounds resemble those of wild birds, not loud roosters. This was their easy-keeping side.

Whether you’re after eggs, meat, or enjoy caring for animals, quail can fulfill all these requirements.

What I like most is their delicious and lean meat. In my hometown, a large population of homesteaders keeps quail just for meat production.

Raising Quail for Eggs

Now, let’s talk about the benefits they provide. Quail lay tiny eggs very quickly, 5 eggs of which equal 1 chicken egg. Coturnix quail start laying eggs at just 7–8 weeks old. On average, a healthy female quail lays 5 to 7 eggs per week, depending on the breed and how well they’re cared for.

If you want quail for eggs, you’ll need to start with 4-6 female Coturnix quail. This will ensure a total of 25-35 eggs weekly. Don’t keep males if you only keep them for egg-laying. You only need males if you want to hatch chicks. To compel quail to lay eggs, feed them layer feed (specialized for game birds) with protein 18-22 % and calcium 2.5-3%. You should know the right quail food depending on the purpose you are raising them for.

Quail eggs taste great, and they’re actually more nutritious than chicken eggs. They’re a good option for people with certain food sensitivities. Their eggs are rich in vitamins and popular for raw pet feeding, gourmet cooking, and homestead use.

They can be tricky to open, though. I use a quail egg cutter now, but a sharp knife works too. If you enjoy baking or want to add a fancy touch to your meals, these little eggs are so worth the extra step.

To raise the quail to boost its egg production, you’ll need to ensure the following things.

• Light: Quail need around 14-15 hours of light daily for consistent egg production, especially in the winter. Consider using a low-watt bulb to keep up the light hours.
• Food: A high-protein diet (around 20–24%) helps with consistent laying.
• Stress: Loud noise, overcrowding, poor housing, or predators nearby can freak them out and reduce egg output. Keep their environment calm and safe.

The eggshells of quail eggs are more delicate than those of chicken eggs. If the bird consistently lays them, you should collect them at least once or twice a day. If not, they can be cracked or stepped on by curious birds.  Use a soft basket or container when collecting so the eggs don’t bump into each other and break.

You can store the eggs if you don’t use them immediately. If you want to do so, wash them with warm water, store them in the freezer, and use them within 1-2 weeks.

Raising Quail for Meat

Raising quail for meat was a big challenge for me. And honestly, I had a lot of mixed feelings about it. I have been quite successful in keeping them for eggs, and deciding to raise them for meat wasn’t easy. But like many quail keepers say, if you’re going to do it, you should do it the right way with care and respect.

If you plan to raise quail for meat, start with 30-50 chicks of Jumbo Coturnix or eggs to hatch. Coturnix quail are the best breed for meat because of their larger size, fast growth, and high meat yield. They are cost-effective to raise, and their adaptability to different clients makes it easy to grow. I have kept a breeding group of 1 male per 4-5 females to produce more. This ratio avoids fighting and ensures good fertility. I usually cull males for meat around 6-8 weeks.

I make sure my birds live a calm, happy life. That’s something most experts agree on, not just for ethical reasons, but also because stress-free birds give you better-quality meat.

For the first time, when it came time to process them, I was surprised by how simple it actually was compared to chickens. Using a sharp pair of scissors, the dispatch was quick and humane. No need for scalding or plucking, just snip, skin, and clean. Many seasoned quail raisers recommend this method as the most stress-free and kind approach.

That said, it was still tough emotionally. I won’t lie, I cried the first time I had to cull a bird, especially because it was injured. But over time, I realized that learning to dispatch humanely is part of being a responsible keeper. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary if you’re serious about raising quail for meat the right way.

Choosing the Right Quail Breed

Different quail breeds serve different purposes. Some are bred for more eggs, while others are raised for meat. What you want from your quail determines which breed you should choose. The most popular quail breeds are Coturnix, Bobwhite, and California Quail.

Among these, Coturnix, also known as Japanese Quail, are the most popular because they grow quickly, lay plenty of eggs, and are incredibly easy to raise. Jumbo species of the Coturnix have a larger body with a similar egg size. So, they are the go-to quail for beginners.

If you’re keeping quail for meat, Bobwhite are a good option, as they are primarily raised for that purpose. However, they have a wild temperament, so they are not recommended for beginners.

Button Quail, the smallest quail breed, are more like pets or charming additions to an aviary. They are not typically raised for egg or meat production.

Avoid letting quail free-range. They’re flighty and once they take off, they’re gone for good. If you want them to enjoy fresh grass, use a secure mobile pen or tractor to keep them safe and contained.

How to Start Your Quail Flock?

You are planning to raise a quail but are unsure how to start with the flock. You can go with one of the three options: raising chicks, hatching eggs, or buying adult quail. Each path has its own challenges and rewards. It depends on what suits your setup and goals best.

Starting with Chicks

If you want to watch how your birds grow from the beginning, starting with chicks is a popular choice. The great thing about chicks is that they grow fast, and you’ll have full control over their environment from day one. But they do need extra care. You’ll need to keep them with a brooder, check on them regularly, and make sure they’re eating and drinking properly.

You can get quail chicks from hatcheries, local breeders, or online suppliers. Just be sure to go with a trusted source.

Hatching Your Own Quail Eggs

I have gone through several trials of hatching my own quail eggs as we’re increasing our flock through this way; instead of buying new quail. For us, it’s been a rewarding experience; however, it needs patience and extra care than the earlier one. You’ll need a reliable incubator and a steady setup to keep the eggs warm (around 99.5°F) and humid enough to develop properly. Turning the eggs a few times a day is also a must.

Buying Adult Quail

If you’re a beginner and are just learning to raise a quail, buying an adult quail is the right option for you. This is the easiest option as you’d not need to do extra efforts. But these options usually cost more than the above two.

Still, there are a few things you’ll want to watch out for. Be sure the birds look healthy, having clear eyes, clean feathers, and no signs of wheezing. While buying them, ask about their age, how they’ve been cared for, and what kind of feed they’re on. It will ensure that the healthy adults save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Legal & Ethical Things to Know Before Raising Quail

Before you get quail, make sure it’s actually allowed where you live. Rules can be very different depending on your city or neighborhood.

• City laws or local animal ordinances
• Zoning laws (some areas don’t allow poultry)
• HOA (Homeowners Association) rules
• Whether you need a permit to keep quail

Preparing to Raise Quail

Quail are pretty easy to care for, but they require daily maintenance, including feeding, watering, cage cleaning, and egg collection.

Choose the Right Space

The first step in raising a quail starts with choosing the right space for it. Decide whether you’ll keep your quail on a balcony, in your yard, or elsewhere. The space should be ventilated, predator-free, and shielded from strong winds. There should be access to lighting in their place.

A hardware cloth of ½” can serve as predator-proof material.  Use air purifiers or windows for ventilation. Raised coops with anti-climb barriers protect from cats and raccoons.

Prepare Suitable Housing

After finding a suitable space for your quail, prepare the appropriate housing for him. They can be housed in hanging wire cages, rabbit hutches, or custom pens. For an adult quail, arrange at least 1 square foot per bird.

Bedding

The best bedding materials for adult quail are pine shavings, hemp bedding, aspen shavings, and straw. The most popular and widely used one is pine shavings, as it absorbs moisture well, controls odor, and is comfortable for birds to walk on.

Avoid cedar shaving, newspaper-based bedding, and sand.

Keep bedding at about 1–2 inches deep and spot-clean daily. It’s recommended to change bedding frequently.

Maintenance

Deep clean cages weekly to reduce ammonia and risk of disease. Quail begin laying at 6-8 weeks. Prepare nesting boxes in advance to hatch the eggs. Maintain 14-15 hours of light for consistent laying. Add branches, mirrors, or toys to prevent boredom. You can also dust bath areas, hiding spots (logs, boxes), and ramps for enrichment.

Feeding

Quail need more protein than chickens, especially when they’re growing or laying. The protein options are gamebird layer feed (20% protein), which I ensure for my own quail flock. I also arrange mealworms and insects once a week. They are rich in proteins, which help the birds during breeding. Other options include crushed oyster shells for calcium and grit to aid digestion.

Quail love to scratch and fling feed everywhere. Using a feeder made to prevent spills can save you money and mess. It’s easier to manage, prevents your feed from being wasted, and stays clean longer.

Watering

• Always provide clean, fresh water. Quail won’t drink dirty water.
• Use nipple drinkers or shallow waterers to keep things clean and avoid spills.
• Change water daily and clean containers often to prevent bacteria buildup.

Raising Quail Chicks

Raising quail chicks is somewhat different from raising adult quail. The basics are the same, but there are some key differences in certain areas.

The first few weeks of a quail chick’s life are very important. If something goes wrong during this stage, it can be hard or even impossible to fix later. Therefore, do everything right from day one.

1. Brooder Setup

To start, you’ll need a safe, warm place for the chicks to grow. Use a box, aquarium, or cage with solid flooring, big enough so that the chick can move around without overcrowding. Maintain 0.5 square feet per chick. Go for something with tall enough sides so they don’t jump out as they get older, but with airflow too.

Cover the brooder box with breathable material to prevent escape. For bedding, use paper towels or wood shavings. I prefer pine shavings as they’re soft, absorbent, and safe to lie on. Avoid cedar or slippery bedding, like newspaper, that can mess up their legs. Clean bedding daily to prevent illness.

2. Temperature

Chicks are sensitive to cold. Just a small drop in heat can make them sick or worse. Therefore, you’ll need a heat source like an adjustable heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter. Create a warm zone under the lamp and let the other side be cooler so they can move around as they like.

3. Feeding

Quail chicks need the right kind of food to keep up. Give them starter feed made just for quail. Use gamebird chick starter as it’s usually a fine crumble with a higher protein.

Don’t give them chicken feed. Their pieces are too big, and the nutrients aren’t quite right.

4. Watering

For watering, use nipple drinkers for quail of any age. Nipple drinkers have no risk of chicks falling in and drowning. If you can’t arrange it, use shallow water dishes to keep them safe. Shallow dishes with pebbles are another way to prevent drowning quail chicks.

Keeping Quail in the City

Raising quail in an urban or small backyard setup can be worrying. However, the beauty of quail is that it can be raised in any environment, if a little work is done. In urban areas, it needs a few extra challenges, like keeping noise and smell under control and making sure the setup doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Some handy tips to make city quail-keeping easier are:

Try soundproofing your coop or cage. Adding things like insulation, placing the setup away from walls and windows, or using solid materials can help keep the noise down.

Keep things fresh with good airflow, regular cleaning, and bedding that absorbs odor (like pine shavings or hemp). You can even sprinkle baking soda under the bedding to help.

Use planters, fencing, or paint to help the cage or coop blend in. You can even build a small and stylish quail hutch that doesn’t scream barnyard.

Keeping Your Quail Healthy

Quail can suffer from diseases if the proper attention and care are not carried out. It’s important to know the signs of sickness and how to stop diseases before they start. A little attention every day can save you a lot of trouble later.

Sometimes quail don’t show obvious signs of illness right away, but you can get clues from their behavior. If you notice anything off, it’s better to act early than wait. Quick action can make a big difference. These are the behavioral symptoms that indicate an early stage of the disease.

• Sitting around and not moving much (lethargy)
• Fluffed-up feathers all the time
• Runny or weird-looking droppings
• Not eating or drinking like usual
• Staying away from the rest of the group

Common Quail Health Issues

The most common diseases quail can get are:

Respiratory problems

You might hear wheezing or see sneezing or runny noses. The affected quail might exhibit open-mouth breathing. Respiratory issues are likely due to poor ventilation, dusty bedding, sudden temperature drops, and overcrowding. The prompt action is to isolate the bird so that no other birds of your flock are affected. Furthermore, improve ventilation and consult a vet for antibiotics.

Parasites

Both internal and external parasites can attack the quail. Internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms can degrade a bird’s health adversely. The affected quail may exhibit weight loss, leading to poor growth. To combat these parasites, use poultry-safe dewormers periodically.

If your quail consistently scratches its body, it might be attacked by external parasites likemites or lice. They usually show up if the cage isn’t clean or there’s no dust bath. These parasites can result in feather loss of the bird, pale combs, and restlessness. To overcome this situation, clean and disinfect the coop thoroughly using dusting powder (permethrin).

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is very common in quail, which is caused by a protozoan parasite, spread through contaminated droppings. The affected quail exhibits the symptoms of bloody or watery droppings, weight loss, puffed-up feathers, and lethargy. To treat coccidiosis, maintain clean and dry living conditions in your quail coop. The medicated feed is Amprolium, for the proper medication of which consult a vet.

Ulcerative Enteritis

Ulcerative Enteritis (UE) is a serious and often fatal bacterial infection that affects quail, especially Bobwhite quail. Coturnix and other quail can also suffer from it. The disease is generally caused by the bacterium Clostridium Colinum.

As is clear from the name, UE causes ulcers in the intestine, which may lead to internal bleeding. The common symptoms include watery or bloody diarrhea, ruffled feathers, weight loss and poor growth, dehydration, droopiness, and weakness. It can also infect other birds like chickens, turkeys, and game birds. It is highly contagious and often spreads rapidly in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions.

The mortality rate of the disease is very high, up to 100%, if not treated. Therefore, start treatment as early as possible to reduce the spread and death rate. Antibiotics like bacitracin, streptomycin, or penicillin in feed or water prove effective in their treatment. But use these medications as per vet advice.

Marek’s disease

Marek’s disease in quail is not very common but good to be aware of. It can affect nerves and cause balance problems.

How to Prevent Sickness in Your Flock?

• Scoop out droppings, change dirty bedding, and keep food/water areas clean.
• Quail love rolling in dust. It helps retain their feathers in good shape and naturally controls mites.
• Keep any new quail separate for at least 2 weeks to make sure they’re not bringing in illness.
• Once in a while, fully clean out the cage or coop and rotate bedding and supplies.