Bobwhites breeding season

[Danny C.]

Find of mine said he heard bobwhites only breed one specific time of year. Which means getting fertile eggs for incubator is limited.
What are y’all’s experiences? I have 12 bobs, and have my first incubator in the mail.
Outside coop is 8’x5’ @ 6’ high.
By the way, 3 cocks and 9 hens is what I have.
Pictured: lower brooder box
some of my kids
the pen
Newby can use some advice and suggestions.

 

[feedman77]

Mine laid from mar/Apr thru Sept.

Nice looking pen. I kept mine in a large rabbit hutch. 2 males to 4 females had good fertility. No fighting or deaths. Keep an eye out for that.

I only had them a year. But they are fun.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Danny,
Where are you located? Consider putting it under your avatar, will assist in getting a answer/solution to any questions you have that are specific to your location.
I'm in South Central Texas, and as such, my quail generally start laying in late March, early April. They finish the season late August, early September. Even in colder climates, they will generally start laying in late April - May and continue till August.
The breeding season will also depend on whether they are raised indoors or outdoors.
With 9 hens, you will have more than enough hatching eggs to start a nice size covey/flock. Depending on what kind, how many, the purpose of hatching/ raising your quail, you may want to think of building a larger enclosure. Wish you the best of luck, in your endeavors. HTH

 

[Danny C.]

Howdy Danny,
Where are you located? Consider putting it under your avatar, will assist in getting a answer/solution to any questions you have that are specific to your location.
I'm in South Central Texas, and as such, my quail generally start laying in late March, early April. They finish the season late August, early September. Even in colder climates, they will generally start laying in late April - May and continue till August.
The breeding season will also depend on whether they are raised indoors or outdoors.
With 9 hens, you will have more than enough hatching eggs to start a nice size covey/flock. Depending on what kind, how many, the purpose of hatching/ raising your quail, you may want to think of building a larger enclosure. Wish you the best of luck, in your endeavors. HTH

Thanks Sean! I live in North Fort Worth by Keller, Tx. I got into this hobby through a friend who raises courtinix mainly; he gets a lot of eggs and meat but has now got rid of the 7th bobcat. He has chickens and ducks also. I hunt as a passion, and this looks like will occupy down time. Been fun for the month and a half been doing and want to grow more but appears I’ll have to wait til spring to see what it brings.

 

[007Sean]

Thanks Sean! I live in North Fort Worth by Keller, Tx. I got into this hobby through a friend who raises courtinix mainly; he gets a lot of eggs and meat but has now got rid of the 7th bobcat. He has chickens and ducks also. I hunt as a passion, and this looks like will occupy down time. Been fun for the month and a half been doing and want to grow more but appears I’ll have to wait til spring to see what it brings.

I use to live about 14mi. North of McKinney. My birds started laying up there in early May and would lay until September.
Yeah, I had tons of bobcats, coyotes always coming around, trapped and snared lots of'em. Back then we use to hunt coyotes at night, spotlighing. Miss hunting "blue eyes".

 

[Danny C.]

I use to live about 14mi. North of McKinney. My birds started laying up there in early May and would lay until September.
Yeah, I had tons of bobcats, coyotes always coming around, trapped and snared lots of'em. Back then we use to hunt coyotes at night, spotlighing. Miss hunting "blue eyes".

My friend is up around Lake Ray Roberts. Around here, my only issue is hawks. Seems to be real secure pen which good latches but always a concern. See what spring brings just not sure if should introduce different species or get bobwhite eggs only to incubate.

 

[007Sean]

My friend is up around Lake Ray Roberts. Around here, my only issue is hawks. Seems to be real secure pen which good latches but always a concern. See what spring brings just not sure if should introduce different species or get bobwhite eggs only to incubate.

Depends on what you want to do with your birds....eggs, meat for yourself, sell eggs, meat or breed, hatch and sell the juveniles or adult birds. If for eggs and meat, then I would recommend Coturnix, either for yourself or to sell. If you want to breed them them I would go with Bob's.
I don't know about the market up in the DFW area anymore but use to be a better market for Bob's.(late 60's - mid 70's) I use to raise around 5,000 birds a year. Didn't have any problem with selling them all, either to individuals, meat markets/resturants, or gun clubs. I also, raised Gambles, Valleys and Blues but not on that scale. It just really depends on what you want to DO with your operation. HTH

 

[Danny C.]

Depends on what you want to do with your birds....eggs, meat for yourself, sell eggs, meat or breed, hatch and sell the juveniles or adult birds. If for eggs and meat, then I would recommend Coturnix, either for yourself or to sell. If you want to breed them them I would go with Bob's.
I don't know about the market up in the DFW area anymore but use to be a better market for Bob's.(late 60's - mid 70's) I use to raise around 5,000 birds a year. Didn't have any problem with selling them all, either to individuals, meat markets/resturants, or gun clubs. I also, raised Gambles, Valleys and Blues but not on that scale. It just really depends on what you want to DO with your operation. HTH

I appreciate the insight! Really not sure what direction it will take. I enjoy looking, listening, and taking care of them. Needs to be productive for sure just trying to take to next level, whatever it is. I don’t have large yard but do have great neighbors and a garage to expand. My time as a full time store manager gives me 2 days off a week and evenings. Think building a garage pen for hatching alt to be next step. Here’s a picture of garage thoughts I can build. Like now, was off yesterday and heading to work until 6pm tonight.

 

[007Sean]

I appreciate the insight! Really not sure what direction it will take. I enjoy looking, listening, and taking care of them. Needs to be productive for sure just trying to take to next level, whatever it is. I don’t have large yard but do have great neighbors and a garage to expand. My time as a full time store manager gives me 2 days off a week and evenings. Think building a garage pen for hatching alt to be next step. Here’s a picture of garage thoughts I can build. Like now, was off yesterday and heading to work until 6pm tonight.

On a hobbyist scale, all you can hope for is that it will help pay the feed bill. Not trying to discourage you in the least....just reality.
I like the call of the Bob's versus Cot's. Understand the work thing...I work a 12 hr. shift, 2days on, 2 days off, work every other weekend. My job interferes with my raising birds! Anyway, good luck with your endeavors.

 

[Danny C.]

On a hobbyist scale, all you can hope for is that it will help pay the feed bill. Not trying to discourage you in the least....just reality.
I like the call of the Bob's versus Cot's. Understand the work thing...I work a 12 hr. shift, 2days on, 2 days off, work every other weekend. My job interferes with my raising birds! Anyway, good luck with your endeavors.

Thank you! Yes, that’s the main goal and if profitable then that’s a bonus. Not discouraged because time and money spent is worth the enjoyment thus far. Here is view from back patio. Looking forward to future conversations.