Breeder stock from same hatch???

[encoreman]

Hi everyone, I started my quail journey with 8 hens and 2 roosters Georgia Giant Bobwhites, I have had good success and now less than 6 months have 130 birds. I plan on putting 100 or so in the freezer. Now for the question, is it acceptable to use the birds from same hatch as breeder stock? I figure 16 different combinations of moms & dads, so is it okay to use these birds as breeders? When I started I put all the birds together, but for next spring I plan on putting 1 rooster with each 3 hens. Any input is appreciated. Thanks Mac

 

[NanaKat]

When I had Coturnix quail, I saved the biggest, best hens and the largest cock birds as my breeders. You have as much diversity as I had.
It was easier to skin the quail rather than pluck because of the thin skins. I wrap them in bacon to bake or grill and a batter to fry.

 

[Krazyquilts]

It was easier to skin the quail rather than pluck because of the thin skins. I wrap them in bacon to bake or grill and a batter to fry.

That is very interesting to know! I have an empty rabbit hutch that I keep thinking would better for quail than rabbits so I've been thinking a lot about getting some, mostly for eggs but you still have to do something with the excess males etc and the thought of hand-plucking an itty bitty quail is exhausting, especially since there's not a whole lot of meat involved. So skinning instead would solve that problem ...

 

[NevilChick]

I had the same breeder quails for almost a year...then started swapping a few out with younger and bigger ones from their hatches. Not sure that it really matters in quail raised for meat and eggs. Not saying I am right on that....but I haven't seen much about it. Now for my other quail I tend to keep those more closely monitored. Great job by the way with the GA Giants. They are one of my favorites.