➡ Quail Hatch Along🥚

[Nabiki]

Hey quail friends, are any of you the writing type? We just added a new section to the Learning Center here about processing birds, and I was wondering if anyone would be interested in writing up an article (with pictures!) about how to process quail for the new section.

There's a chance we may also host a new article contest to help get new articles too, so you might be able to enter it in said contest and possibly win a prize.

I posted an article. Critique welcome.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-process-your-quail-including-gory-pictures.75834/

 

[R2elk]

I posted an article. Critique welcome.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-process-your-quail-including-gory-pictures.75834/

I am just getting started but I recommend you change your scalding water temperature to 160°F from your posted 180°F. You have to dunk a little longer but you will have less skin tearing.

 

[Nabiki]

I am just getting started but I recommend you change your scalding water temperature to 160°F from your posted 180°F. You have to dunk a little longer but you will have less skin tearing.

Thank you. I've changed it. Today was the first time I'd tried the scalding method.

 

[Fenrisulfr]

@Nabiki, absolutly Top Notch, you article

 

[R2elk]

Thank you. I've changed it. Today was the first time I'd tried the scalding method.

I am prejudiced. I scald all birds. It is my opinion that they cook so much better with the skin on. You did a good job with your article.

 

[Nabiki]

I prejudiced. I scald all birds. It is my opinion that they cook so much better with the skin on. You did a good job with your article.

I like them better with skin on, but I'd watched a video where the guy just started plucking, so that was how I did it. Plucking those tiny feathers off of the wings is a total PITA. Scalding made it much easier.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Thanks for the feed advice. I originally tried to order food, but it was going to be almost 60 dollars for a 40 lb bag, and I've already opened my second bag. There was no way I could afford that

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thanks for the feed advice. I originally tried to order food, but it was going to be almost 60 dollars for a 40 lb bag, and I've already opened my second bag. There was no way I could afford that

Yeah that was my problem as well. Most places wanted $40 to $60 or $70 just for shipping so it would have been like $60-$100 it was for a 50 pound bag though but still. No way haha

 

[Fenrisulfr]

I do both ... most times I start plucking and when I get tired after several birds, I change to skinning

But yes, I also like them more with skin. Really adds more flavor.

 

[RUNuts]

How old do quail need to be before 24% protein is enough? It's starting to get hard keeping up with the food they need and grinding mealworms to get it to 30% like they need

Agree. 6 weeks then I switch to chicken layer feed at 20%. What the feed store stocks.