Provide High-Protein Starter Feed

Offer a game bird starter crumble with 24–30% protein from day one. Place feed in a shallow dish or dedicated chick feeder. For the first two days, also sprinkle feed directly on paper towels to encourage pecking behavior, since quail chicks learn to eat by pecking at small particles on the ground.

Why It Works

Quail chicks grow faster than chicken chicks and reach adult size in roughly six weeks. Standard chicken starter (18–20% protein) is insufficient. The higher protein content in game bird feed supports rapid feather development, muscle growth, and overall survival rates during the critical first weeks.

Tips

• Keep feeders topped up — quail chicks eat small amounts frequently throughout the day
• Use crumble form, not pellets, since chicks cannot swallow large pieces
• Avoid medicated chicken feed unless specifically formulated for quail