Age of a coturnix quail?

[jackyboy]

They are about 6 inches tall. They were feeding lot the few couple of days I bought them but now they have slowed down on the feeding.

 

[dc3085]

My point a put having roosters is that it is one way of determining the age of the birds. I didn't say they wouldn't lay without, as that is incorrect for many fowl. If you have a rooster but don't see him breeding they are too young. That was the point.

 

[Quail_Cottage]

I hatched my birds so I know their age, have some 2 years old and some 3yrs. Once they are 6 weeks they look fully grown, and I can't see any differences apart from the couple who got real old age arthritis-like symptoms and hobbled around. Had 2 old ladies did that lat year and lasted for 8 months before they died of old age (3 1/2 yrs). Laid eggs right up until the end. Only 2 of my 12 girls lays during winter. all the others take a break...I don't give them artificial light. Figured I'd let their little bodies have a rest. Only getting 2 eggs a day right now, in Northern CA. /be patient, they need to get used to their new surroundings, food etc.

 

[jackyboy]

Thanks for the advice

 

[Gemski]

As above, I can't tell much difference between a mature laying hen to an old hen. My oldest hen ( Luna ) platinum hen died at 5 years old, laid up until about 8 months before I lost her ( although only a couple of times a week ) she looked the same as her daughters who were as young as a year old.
She was one of the first hatch of quails I ever hatched in an old fish tank modified. She lived to be the eldest, although spent colder damper months in a heated bird room. Hot months in a large pen. So had a good life. Outlived some of her offspring.
Even now my eldest hen is 3 and a half and gives the younger girls a run for their money.
Also any new blood ( hens ) I bring into my breeding group can and do stop laying for sometimes two or more weeks. I always tell anyone when buying from me not to worry if all aren't laying for a couple of weeks.
Enjoy your new girls