Can I Feed Quail Breeders Crushed Chicken Egg Shells?

[BadgerQuail]

Hi -

New member here. I've been browsing the forums the past few weeks trying to increase my knowledge on raising quail. I have found a wealth of information on this forum, and I like the friendliness of the members and that there seems to be a well knit community.

I began my journey in raising quail this past July when I received 50 3-week old quail from a fellow breeder. At first, I thought I would raise them until they were full grown and then add them to my family's food supply. That didn't come to pass. My direction has changed and this coming spring, I am planning on incubating the eggs from the hens. I would like to be able to supply a steady stream of both eggs and meat for my family.

I have read a plethora of information on incubating, in addition to the dietary needs of soon-to-be breeding quail. However, in all my searching, I was unable to find out if I can do what the title of this post says.

Does anyone know if you can feed quail breeders crushed chicken egg shells? I have read that quail need additional calcium supplements prior to and during their breeding stage. I know that crushed oyster shells are the preferred choice, but I thought I might be able to use all the eggs shells that I usually put into our compost.

Any information that anyone can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[chickiepoo2]

I always thought you could....but I'm a newbie too! I thought you needed to bake the egg shells, crush and then give them to the birds.

 

[BirdBoy88]

i give my quails boiled egg with the shell once a week and they love it

once the egg is boiled just chop it up with the shell

 

[linebacker]

Welcome to BYC Badgerquail!!!

I've never feed mine egg shells. Maybe someone who has, will give you insight on their results. Birdboy's system should work.

Brad

 

[Chicken Woman]

I put my egg shells on a cookine sheet and put in oven on 175 for 10 or so minutes. Cruch them up and sprinkle in run.

 

[BadgerQuail]

Thanks for the replies!

I usually put egg shells out in the compost, but I may be able to get better use out of them with the quail.

If I may, I have another general feeding question. I am currently giving my quail a meat-maker crumble. From what I have read, they should be switched to a breeder mix a few weeks prior to the egg laying season.

Is it okay to continue giving them the meat-maker crumble until laying season, or should I switch to another type of feed? (I am currently using the Sprout line Meat Maker feed from Fleet Farm).

Thanks again...

 

[CrimsonRose]

Yeah My Quail LOVE egg shells (well the hens do anyway) the boys won't touch it... LOL

As for the feed I've never fed mine meat feed so I'm unsure... I just make sure they get a little more protein and calcium than chickens would... My feed store only carries chicken feed so I just leave mine on the chick starter feed then add other sources of protein and calcium and they are quite plump and very healthy... For Protein I give them a little cooked egg or crush up a little cat food about once a week and mix it in with their crumbles...

 

[gcrabber]

hey, im new here , yes i save my quail shells, let them dry real good and put them in chopper till they are almost powdery and put it in there food for extra calcium

 

[James MacKay]

Would it not be an Idea to put the shells through a heat process just to sterilize them, the calcium wont be affected and you wont run the risk of passing on any pathogens.

 

[WalkingNorth]

I microwave my button quails eggs and feed them back to them. I know, i know, but the quails love it Just make sure not to leave the egg sitting in the cage too long as it gets bad quickly!