My uncle and cousin used to raise rabbits to sell, and for a few dollars more would butcher them for customers. My understanding in Virginia as far as chickens go one must be USDA inspected to sell butchered poultry, but I don't know if quail falls under that requirement or not. Seems like ready to cook quail would be a good seller if it is legal. I just wonder if any of you butcher quail for customers. Although it would be great to hear from anyone in Virginia who does this or knows if it is okay or not, I'd still like to hear from anyone who does it. How much do you charge per quail if you dress them? I edited to say I am pretty sure it is illegal to sell butchered bobwhites, but coturnix is what I'm interested in knowing about.
I used to butcher and sell my quail to a local cafe for $3 a piece. Its was worth it imo but Ive seen it cheaper at walmart, like $2 a piece. Definitely not gonna get rich.
Hi OrangeRibbon! I agree with Joe, check the local state laws. I would start with The Health Department and see where they send you.
Oh, I would definitely check the laws before doing it. Just wondered who all did it and their experience. I have a ways to go before I'll even have any to sell.
I Think You'll Find Butchered Coturnix Quail In The Same Category As "poultry" ~ Ie... Chickens And Turkeys And Ducks Anything Thats Sold Here For Whatever Purpose Leaves Here Lookin Around Eagerly With An Expression Of "oh Boy! Where We Goin!?" Plastered On Its Face
I found I could sell the eggs here in kansas and get around regulations regaurding chicken egg production and sales but any meat you'd have to be USDA inspected slaughter to sell it, and I'm pretty sure that's fedral law. I plan to sell mine as DIY ready to process birds. I think you'd still beable to get $2-$3 a bird live and if your customers don't want to haul live birds home I don't think the gov.'d nail you for popping a few heads off for them. I'd still keep that part pretty hush, hush though.
ya might want to check the 1000 bird exemption usda has as long as folks come and pick them up at your farm I will have to find the link later I am skinning this time of the year my wife made me come in and eat a little LOL there is a vid on utube that shows an that shows an old guy butchering a quail with a little practice it is a 1 1/2 - 2 minute affair offer a "quail butchering class" sell the quails and teach upwardly mobile folks how to do "redneck things" ROFL
