Backyard quails

Overview

Raising backyard quails is a popular choice for homesteaders and hobbyists seeking a sustainable source of fresh eggs and meat from a small footprint. Quails, particularly Coturnix quail, are significantly smaller than chickens, mature much faster (laying eggs around 6-8 weeks), and require less space and feed. They are relatively quiet birds, making them suitable for suburban environments where noise might be a concern.

Investment & Requirements

Initial investment includes purchasing quail chicks or hatching eggs, a brooder setup for chicks, appropriate housing (cage or hutch), feeders, waterers, and feed. Ongoing costs involve feed, bedding, and occasional health supplies. * Space: Quails need roughly 1 square foot of space per bird in their permanent housing. Vertical space can be utilized with stacked cages. * Housing: Cages or hutches must be secure from predators (raccoons, cats, hawks, snakes) and provide shelter from harsh weather. Wire flooring (1/2" hardware cloth) is often recommended for easy cleaning, with a solid area for resting. * Temperature: Adult quails are hardy but benefit from protection against extreme cold and heat. Chicks require a heat source in a brooder for the first 3-4 weeks. * Feed & Water: Continuous access to fresh water and appropriate feed is crucial.

Raising Backyard Quails

1. Acquisition: Start with day-old chicks, juvenile birds, or fertile eggs for hatching.
2. Brooding (Chicks): Keep chicks in a warm (around 95°F/35°C initially, reducing by 5°F/3°C weekly), draft-free brooder with high-protein starter feed and water.
3. Grow Out: Move juveniles to grow-out pens or their final housing around 3-4 weeks.
4. Adult Care: Provide layer feed for egg production or finisher feed for meat birds. Ensure clean water and housing. Collect eggs daily.
5. Breeding (Optional): Maintain a ratio of 1 male to 3-5 females for fertile eggs.
6. Processing (Meat): Quails reach processing weight (for meat breeds) around 8-10 weeks.

Feeding and Care

Quails require a high-protein diet. * Chicks (0-6 weeks): Game bird starter crumble (24-30% protein). * Layers (6+ weeks): Game bird layer feed (20-24% protein) or a high-quality chicken layer feed supplemented with protein. Crushed oyster shells should be offered separately for strong eggshells. * Meat Birds: Game bird grower/finisher feed (around 20-22% protein). Cleanliness is key to preventing disease. Regularly clean feeders, waterers, and housing, replacing bedding as needed.

Benefits Over Chickens

• Space: Require significantly less space.
• Feed Efficiency: Convert feed to eggs/meat more efficiently.
• Faster Maturity: Lay eggs and reach harvest weight much quicker.
• Quieter: Generally less noisy than chickens.

Quail Eggs

Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs (about 5 quail eggs = 1 chicken egg) but have a similar taste. They are considered a delicacy by some and have a higher yolk-to-white ratio. The shells are thinner and often speckled.

Special Requirements

• High Protein Feed: Standard chicken feed is usually insufficient, especially for chicks and layers.
• Predator Proofing: Due to their small size, robust predator protection is essential.
• Containment: Quails can fly short distances, so secure enclosures are necessary.
• Legalities: Check local zoning ordinances, as some areas may have restrictions on keeping poultry, including quails.