I've got one quail and I'm in need of some advice.

Hello!

The truth of the matter: we had a quail sitting on eggs by our mailbox and everyone hatched, save two. My naturalist 6 year old son wanted to keep the intact eggs and a couple shells. I remembered reading that quail chicks hatch all at once, so I assumed the intact eggs might not be fertile or were empty. The nest had been abandoned a couple days. So I agreed.

And now we have one little quail chick. I've called around and all of the wild bird rehabilitation places listed will not take baby birds. And as far as I've read, if we locate the mamma bird she won't take the chick. I hate that we have just one since they are such social birds.

Yesterday I bought chick start and have added cat food to reach the 30% protein rate, have the super shallow water dish and the makeshift cardboard breeder is at 93°.

Here is my issue, that I really need help with: the chick can't figure out how to eat or drink.

I've tried everything, dipping her beak in the water, mushing up the food, grinding up the food, she just peeps and peeps without doing any of it. I would love any sugestions or tips.

Thank you in advance.

I think the momma would likely accept it if it were mixed in with the other babies. There's no human smell she will fear, that's a myth.

I noticed with my broody quail that when the baby made its "I'm alone! Peep peep peep!" Sound, she would stop and call back to it, telling it to come find her and if it still was crying and not coming, she would make her way towards it.

if the baby is crying for the mom, she might hear it and come, not sure!

If not, raise it until it's adult plumage comes in to protect itself from the elements and see if it wants to rush back into nature to find its kind

Binki, thank you for your response. I found a wonderful woman who can properly care for this little one and get her in a covey!!

Aww that's such great news !! Good job ^^