16 hatched and they moved to the brooder yesterday

[John Sanders]

It was an a good hatch considering the issues I was having with the temp in the bator. 1 died this morning but the others look fine.

 

[QuailMary]

How many did you start with?
I'm looking at incubating 12, but I really only need/want to keep 6. was considering selling the extra perhaps.

 

[John Sanders]

I ordered 25 but they sent 30. 50% is fine for me now. I couldn't keep the temp from fluctuating.

 

[AnotherKim]

That's so great!

 

[mdees88]

How many did you start with?
I'm looking at incubating 12, but I really only need/want to keep 6. was considering selling the extra perhaps.

Here's the deal with incubating 12 eggs. Out of 12 eggs you can expect a 50% hatch rate so now you have 6 chicks. Out of those 6 chicks you can assume 3 males and 3 females. But you could very easily end up with 4 males and 2 females. (Out of the last 84 I hatched I ended up with 35 females and 49 males).

Coturnix quail should be kept in 1:4 or 1:5 male to female ratios. If you keep 1 male with 2 hens he will beat them up pretty good when breeding. So if you end up with 4 boys and 2 girls you're now in a dilemma.

This is why I never recommend incubating less than 2 dozen quail eggs... you can sell or eat the extras.