Found an egg on my dock

[pozees2]

I am usually working 2 jobs and I plan on going back to school to be a nurse in September so as much as I would love that I shouldn't. My neighbour who let me borrow the incubator is getting new fertile button quail eggs everyday though and he offered to give them to me because he isn't hatching them. That offer is sounding more and more appealing!

I hatched some Button Quail eggs last year, and they were the coolest chicks I've ever hatched, they are SO TINY and they zoom around almost right out of the egg, SO much fun, and you can actually keep them inside as pets, in an aquarium or cage made with 1/4 inch hardware cloth. I didn't keep them because we have many cats, and I would never have forgiven myself if I let something happen to them, but boy, I wanted to!

 

[can't get enough chicken]

I hatched some Button Quail eggs last year, and they were the coolest chicks I've ever hatched, they are SO TINY and they zoom around almost right out of the egg, SO much fun, and you can actually keep them inside as pets, in an aquarium or cage made with 1/4 inch hardware cloth. I didn't keep them because we have many cats, and I would never have forgiven myself if I let something happen to them, but boy, I wanted to!

You're selling me!
Could they ever be friendly pets? When I got my chicken chicks I would carry them around all day everyday and they ended up more cuddly than my dog! haha

 

[em_dawson]

You're selling me!
Could they ever be friendly pets? When I got my chicken chicks I would carry them around all day everyday and they ended up more cuddly than my dog! haha

They’re absolutely TINY, like... 4-5 inches as adults

 

[em_dawson]

They’re absolutely TINY, like... 4-5 inches as adults

They can become very tame and friendly, but not exactly cuddly lol

 

[pozees2]

You're selling me!
Could they ever be friendly pets? When I got my chicken chicks I would carry them around all day everyday and they ended up more cuddly than my dog! haha

I didn't keep them long enough to know, from what I've read, they tend to be kind of shy, but like many other birds, will learn routines, so if they know you will bring them fresh food, yummy nibbles, etc. they get used to you, trust you, and get friendly, though I'd say probably not cuddly. Super fun to watch though, and they come in so many colors. When I hatched them I sent pictures to the people I bought the eggs from and they knew almost always what color they would mature into just from their markings at hatch.

 

[lena_]

I have button quail! I had three eggs but only one hatched, and he was the most adorable, cuddly baby. I think if you just raise one they are much more snuggly lol. I spent soo much time with him as well.
Sadly they only live 3-5 years, and when he was four he passed away (vet found a tumour and suggested euthanasia). They are absolutely adorable lol, maybe a little bigger then a sparrow at maturity.
I currently have three, a handraised female (A breeder gave her to me when she was a week or so old, so she never imprinted) her baby, and then her mate.

Another good option are coturnix (Japanese) quail, they are much more friendly then buttons, and they lay really well. I have four and they are alot of fun, and they do great indoors as pets. they are the 'teddy bears' of the quail world.

You did great with the baby, I'm so glad you have him a chance.