First time Hatch

[kakhan]

Hi All,
I have hatched button quail eggs for the first time.They took 14 days to hatch.I wasnt expecting ...now the problem is what to do with the little guys )
How long could they be on their own in the bator before i could remove them.Normal temperature in our part is around 40* C these days.Do they need brooder?
Will be looking for some advice as i am new to quail babies.

 

[Peacerose]

Yes, they need a brooder. You can make a quick brooder out of a box and a light bulb. Put paper towels in the bottom and a bath towel over most of the top. Use a cookie cooling rack or something like that to put the light on. Check the temperature in the brooder with a thermometer. It should be 95-100F. Let one end of the box be cooler and one end warm. At the cool end put the food and water. Water should have marbles in it to keep the little birds from getting drenched. Grind the food in the blender to make it small enough for their little beaks.

 

[kakhan]

Thanks Peacerose for the tip.One more question,when is the time to remove them from incubator?

 

[GrandmaBird]

wow you should have found all this out before you hatched them but I understand how time flys...
The temp. in the brooder needs to be lowered by 5 degrees each week for 5-6 weeks them they will be at ideal room temp. about 70-75 degrees. A utility light with a 40-60 watt bulb is more than enough. raise it to cool the box. By 5 weeks mine was out side the top of the cage and on week 6 i could move them to a grow out cage, you can use any box or tub for a brooder but be sure it has a top as these little guys can hop and soon will be flying out of the box. Also please line the bottom to prevent splay leg, using shelve liner is good and when the chicks are first moved in place the food directly on the floor so they can find it also add a lid with food and once you see they have found it then you can stop putting it on the floor, this should take 1-2 days.. The water should be in a lid also with marbles or small stones so the chicks cannot get in it and drown. any pickle or mayo jar lid work well.
they grow so fast you will not beleive it! Congrats and happy quail!
Any more questions please ask..
Robin.

PLUS to answer your question they should be moved from the incubator as soon as they are dry.

temps are F not C

 

[kakhan]

Thank you Grandmabird for the detailed answer.I have put them in a small cardboard box and covered it.The outside temperature is around 35*C so i think i dont need the heating source.When should i add boiled egg in the diet?

 

[GrandmaBird]

you can add a bit of hard boiled egg, shell and all ground fine at 3 weeks of age. then at 4 weeks add a bit of finch seed to the game bird feed about 1/4 seed to 3/4 feed. and give them grit/oyster shell mixed in the feed from birth for stronger bird bones and to help with digestion.
Glad I can help. Feel free to ask any questions and have fun with your great little birds.