Coturnix Quail Basics- Information and Pictures Galore

[zbraswell92]

I've had 11 quail for about 3 weeks now. They are around 7 weeks old now. I'm feeding them Nutrena Chick Starter (18%) and I add organic feathermeal and organic bonemeal to boost protein. I've also got some dried mealy worms for treats.
I've made the bone&feathermeal & chick starter to come out with about 35% protein. I give them cracked corn and sweet feed to balence it out to around 30% protein.
They LOVE their feed mixed with the bone&feathermeal! I gave them just the plain starter one day, and they didn't really like it too much.
My quail are in perfect plumage and are so happy.
Just wanted up share my story. Haha

 

[zbraswell92]

 

[keepmumsane]

Cuteness! Am trying to figure out a good protein booster for chick starter. Someone suggested cat biscuits, ground up , cant source meal worms dried, just live. Will see if I can find bonemeal.

 

[qlicer49]

I reccomend ground oyster shells.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

dried fish meal has a very high protein content, I am still trying to find it. It costs a fortune to have a drop shipment done, so you need several people willing to go in on a shipment. It would really be fantastic to help boost protein in the feeds. A little goes a long way! I am still looking, have not gave up yet

I raise guinea, turkey, quail and plan to add pheasant in the spring. Game bird chow has to be ordered for my area, but it does offer 30% protein! I see a big difference in my younger birds since I put them on the game bird feed.

 

[keepmumsane]

Mm fish meal, ..people keep loooing at me like im bonkers when I tell them I need high protein feed. I am considering the freeze dried cat/dog meat option as its pure meat. Comes in venison and lamb, so cuts out the cat biscuits option which is poultry based. My quail eggs have another 10 days in the incubator. I have meat bird crumbles but theyre still only 20%.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Mm fish meal, ..people keep loooing at me like im bonkers when I tell them I need high protein feed. I am considering the freeze dried cat/dog meat option as its pure meat. Comes in venison and lamb, so cuts out the cat biscuits option which is poultry based. My quail eggs have another 10 days in the incubator. I have meat bird crumbles but theyre still only 20%.

Hmm, what feed stores do you have locally?

 

[keepmumsane]

Our feed stores are grazing animal stores, they do a great chook food but meat birds are uncommon. Im in new zealand and I look at the suggestions on here and have no clue as to how to source them here. Ive just been reading about fermented and sprouted grains like barley and chick crumbles wondering if that would up tye protein

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Our feed stores are grazing animal stores, they do a great chook food but meat birds are uncommon. Im in new zealand and I look at the suggestions on here and have no clue as to how to source them here. Ive just been reading about fermented and sprouted grains like barley and chick crumbles wondering if that would up tye protein

Fermenting doesn't raise the proteins but its certainly healthy for them. I do ferment all my animals feed, it does help them absorb more of the protein from the feed. Sprouting is an excellent source also, especially in the cold months. I keep dry feed free choice for the quail also tho, they do go thru it quickly.

 

[keepmumsane]

Hmmmmm, so do you think if I process freeze dried beef and sprinkled it in that would be suitable? People seem to feed regular chick crumbles when theyre super small, then a high protein mix once theyre bigger.
I was eyeing my chicky babes food this morning and will start soaking it for them, I have a bin full of barley so will toss some through there too, theyre going to be so excited