Coturnix Quail Basics- Information and Pictures Galore

[quailtrail]

Protein is important, what feed are they on? Try offering millet or chopped egg and a treat, cooked fish. I went through a period some of the girls were eating the eggs!
So i put them back on 24% chick starter and live mealies everyday. I have no access to game bird feed here, its the best protein level available.

game bird feed so they have 24% protein. They do get dry meal worms, fresh veggies too

 

[quailtrail]

I don't know where you are, but here in the UK it's hitting autumn, and our egg production has all but stopped now and the girls are moulting. This is normal and not a protein issue, if you are in autumn now too. How many hours of daylight are you getting? Do they look like they're moulting?

yes we are just starting with fall. Def some colder nights. We get about 12hrs sunlight now. They don't look like they are moulting yet.

 

[Weirdness555]

14 hours of daylight is often quoted as a minimum for egg production, so I think that would be the cause of your problems If you want them to lay over winter you'll need a light on a timer, but if you're not bothered let them take a break. They may or may not start moulting.

 

[quailtrail]

14 hours of daylight is often quoted as a minimum for egg production, so I think that would be the cause of your problems If you want them to lay over winter you'll need a light on a timer, but if you're not bothered let them take a break. They may or may not start moulting.

I was happy to find an egg today...but the coop was filled with feathers so they are moulting ...all adds up now.

 

[CyndiChick]

I have 11 quail, one is 7 weeks, 6 are 4 weeks, and the rest are almost 2 weeks. Since I live in Florida with lots of sun and its warm... Will they still lay thru the fall and winter? Or will they still moult?

 

[Weirdness555]

We found an egg yesterday that was a big surprise. We'd had nothing for weeks, then a sudden little present haha

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: adorable!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: Oh good point too! Mine have slowed since the days are shorter and getting cooler at night. My oldest were born in june, don't know if I will see a moult this year or not.

 

[Weirdness555]

My oldest are from maybe march, or april. Then our second group of hens are from may. the older ones were moulting first but now the younger ones have joined in. The aviary is awash with feathers!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Processed a batch of quail yesterday, SUPER EASY! did 11 in about an hour.
Does the quail need to rest like other poultry, this was our first time doing them.
DH is pacing, can't wait to try them. I have another 14 will be doing tomorrow.
That will be enough for the entire family to have a meal. (6 adults in the household)
I cleared out my A&M flock, not very nice little guys.
I have way too many tibetan roos so they will be cleared out tomorrow.
Have to say I really prefer the jumbos personality.
They are more friendly and cheerful little things.
I don't have near the pecking issues we were having with the A&Ms, and the jumbos are the oldest group!