Help I found a quail chick

[MegaK2015]

Hi all,
Today I found a quail chick standing in the middle of the road alone. I stopped to see if it would run off the road if I approached it, but it was too weak and overheating. I picked it up and brought it home to my chick brooder (empty of chickens currently). It seems to be doing well now, I know nothing of quail but based on size I think there's no chance its old enough to survive alone. What should I do now? We picked up some game bird feed and are happy to raise it but I'm guessing it needs other quail? Can I put more young chicks with it and they'll get along ok? I have no idea the breed but have only ever seen Cali Valley Quail around. Would anyone have a guess as to how old it is based on its size? How long do quail need supplemental heat? Thanks so much, all tips appreciated!

 

[GracePoultry]

@Nabiki

 

[Jener8or]

I think it might be a California Quail chick. You might not be able to keep it where you are without a permit.

 

[Nabiki]

I'm guessing about 3 weeks old. I'm not sure how long it takes CA quail to mature, but at this time of year I don't think it will need supplemental heat much longer.

Is there a wildlife rescue you can contact? In most states you need a permit to keep native species of quail. You are correct that it should have companions of its own species.

If you can't contact a wildlife rescue, I would continue to feed it gamebird starter until it is fully feathered, then release it when you see others of its kind nearby.

 

[MegaK2015]

Thank you so much guys! I will see if I can find a rescue!