OK, you would think that the first one comming out would be a good thing, but I'm a bit confused. To start I set 8 Serama eggs and 2 quail eggs...well, today is the first full day of lock down and the first quail hatched! To be honest, I didn't think they would hatch at all, but none the less there it is. So, the problem is I was under the impression that these things kinda laid around for a day or so before getting active, but this little psyco is running laps around my bator and making me a bit nervous! Is it normal for quail to hatch and be sprinting around like this? and is it OK to leave him in the bator, or should I get him out and eating straight away? Lastly, what do you feed newly hatched quail?...LOL
That is normal.. I just hatched 15 of them. They all were run arounding within no time at all it seemed! I left them in until they were dry and fluffy looking then took them out and put them in the brooder with some water. Someone told me to give them only water for the first hour then food after.. it prevents pasty butt somehow.
Yup, yup, those things have some major energy when they hatch. I had no clue how to feed them either, I was trying to feed them just straight chick starter crumbles and they couldn't eat it because it was too large for them. So I added water and made it a nice mush that they could just pick at until they were full, it's worked for all of my coturnix hatches so far.
Thanks for the assurance. Now, next question...both the quail have hatched, but the Serama eggs are still sitting quietly...It probably was not the best idea to hatch them together since they incubate for different lengths of time, but thats something I learned after the fact. Any way, how long can the quail stay in the bator before they have come out to eat and drink? Can I open the bator as soon as the Seramas hatch to remove the quail?
I don't think quail can wait as long before they need to eat and drink. I got mine out after they were dry. I feed mine Gamebird 28%, I can't find Turkey starter around here. I also grind up their food in a blender, about the size of cornmeal. They will start pooing in the bator too, which can cause bacteria. I guess you will have to make a choice of wether to leave them in or hurry up and take them out. Watch out when you grab them, they are feisty little things. They can jump good too.
If they're both hatched then you can remove them since they can keep each other company. You'll want to use game starter, it's higher in protein. I like to use ManaPro Gamebird/Showbird starter because chickens can eat it too, and it grows some nice feathers. So you can brood them together and feed them the same... so long as the quail aren't getting picked on. When you remove the quail, make sure you're quick about it, watch your temps, and be sure there's enough humidity for your chicken lock-down! Really setting them the same day would be alright... remove the quail hatchlings.... then lockdown for the chickens and stay out of the 'bator for the rest of the time.
Did I forget to tell you to grind up the feed? Sorry! The Seramas will need tiny pieces of food as well. I have a coffee grinder dedicated to this purpose, but you could put some food in a baggie and beat it with a skillet. I have a couple of quail that were raised with thier Cochin hatchmates -- they're okay. They don't mingle, so they just need a little extra space when they're older. Go Serama chickies! Hatch! Hatch! Hatch! I hatched a couple of siblings to your eggs, and one of them has feathered legs, very unique for a Serama, but purebred nonetheless.
