Provide 14-16 Hours of Light Daily

Use supplemental lighting to ensure laying quails receive 14-16 hours of light per day. During fall and winter, natural daylight drops below the threshold needed to stimulate egg production. A low-wattage LED bulb on a timer can extend perceived daylight to the optimal range without significant electricity cost.

Why It Works

Quail egg production is photoperiod-dependent. The hypothalamus responds to light duration by regulating reproductive hormones. Below 14 hours of light, hormone levels drop and hens slow or stop laying entirely. Maintaining consistent light exposure keeps the reproductive cycle active year-round.

Tips

• Set the timer to turn on before dawn rather than extending the evening, so birds roost naturally at dusk
• Use a 4-9 watt LED bulb; overly bright lights cause stress
• Never provide 24-hour light — quails need 8-10 hours of darkness for rest and immune function