Just a little positive that I had happen yesterday. Those of you that remember "stake", I hatched 2 chicks from eggs I got from a trio of his that I picked up (the eggs) after he had passed. Got a little teary when I saw that they both had hatched.
Jap Quail or Button Quail are adorable! Especially when just hatched. If I'm not mistaken they mature quickly and lay already when they are 8 weeks old or so. I've had them in the past. Only thing is they are very nervous/flighty birds.
That is a risk, very true.
My advice to anyone bringing in birds from someone else is to QUARANTINE for 4 weeks.
If you don't have a way to do that, don't buy. Not worth the risk.
It's not just birds from auctions, but birds bought at shows, or from friends. Always need to think about the...