Coturnix quail chicks feathers

[Jkienholz]

New quail mama here! I have 5 Coturnix chicks that are about 4 weeks now. Their feathers are changing to adult feathers, but they are looking super scruffy. Is this normal?

 

[Kiki]

New quail mama here! I have 5 Coturnix chicks that are about 4 weeks now. Their feathers are changing to adult feathers, but they are looking super scruffy. Is this normal?

Are they standing on food or litter?

That is NOT proper quail feed.
My chicks are younger than yours....notice the difference?
Pictures taken an hour ago.

So no it's not normal but it's probably because they aren't getting proper nutrition.

 

[Floof]

I have 2 thoughts: they might be dirty and it's sticking to their feathers making them look like that OR they aren't getting enough protein. When I raised quail I kept them on 18% gamebird feed at minimum.

 

[Kiki]

I have 2 thoughts: they might be dirty and it's sticking to their feathers making them look like that OR they aren't getting enough protein. When I raised quail I kept them on 18% gamebird feed at minimum.

18%?

 

[Floof]

18%?

* at minimum

These birds seem to be living on corn?

 

[casportpony]

New quail mama here! I have 5 Coturnix chicks that are about 4 weeks now. Their feathers are changing to adult feathers, but they are looking super scruffy. Is this normal?

Welcome to BYC. What food do you feed them?

Source: https://www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/8#45

 

[Jkienholz]

The bedding is cracked corn which I read about on a different forum. The food they are getting is Kruse's game bird feed which is 20% protein

 

[Kiki]

The bedding is cracked corn which I read about on a different forum. The food they are getting is Kruse's game bird feed which is 20% protein

Can you please remove a the cracked corn immediately. Can you post a picture of the game bird feed you have? Or a link to the exact product?

 

[Jkienholz]

Welcome to BYC. What food do you feed them?
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Source: https://www.nap.edu/read/2114/chapter/8#45

They are getting Kruse's game bird feed which is 20% protein. The cracked corn is just the bedding they are on. I saw that on another forum. I am also giving them supplements in their water for electrolytes. Planning on moving them to the coop this weekend. Maybe stress?

 

[Kiki]

They are getting Kruse's game bird feed which is 20% protein. The cracked corn is just the bedding they are on. I saw that on another forum. I am also giving them supplements in their water for electrolytes. Planning on moving them to the coop this weekend. Maybe stress?

No, the feed is not good enough.