How do I stop female from laying?

[Sill]

The red swollen vent is not normal! Make sure when you pick her up not to squeeze her as it can cause a cloacal prolapse. Watch her and see if her cloaca goes back in, it should or other birds can peck at, make it bleed and start a vicious cycle. You can do a search for a prolapsed cloaca here and find out how to treat one that does not go back in in an hour or so.

Heavily laying quail need protein that is near 30%. I use turkey starter as that is what I can get locally. If you can't find it see if your local feed store can special order some for you. Store it in airtight containers in a cool place since you will have more than your few birds can eat quickly. She will also need oyster shell given free choice 24/7 to avoid egg binding, thin eggshells and yes a prolapsed cloaca.

 

[Sill]

Now that I see your set up it would be simple to cover the front of their cage with a dark cloth that will block light but let in air. By covering the cage you will not be dependent on room light being limited. Every time someone flips on a light it will throw off their light cycle which is not natural and can stress the quail. Cover that cage and see if it helps her. Also, make sure you talk to them before uncovering the cage so they know it is happening and they don't get started.

 

[judithfoster62]

I'm going to see if I can get some game bird starter or turkey starter from the Market today, thank you for all your help. I incubated and hatched them both myself, so wouldn't want any of them to get poorly. Button was stuck in his egg, so I had to help him out. I've got their first batch of eggs in the incubator, and am hoping at least some will hatch.

 

[GrandmaBird]

your hen will lay about 8 to 12 eggs then move the ones she wants into a nice little nest area and sit IF she wants too. There is no way to make her incubate or is there a way to make her stop laying. You will notice her breast looking puffy when she is broody and her behavior to her "man" changes. I just gather the eggs everyday and toss them from my one pair. She takes a break from laying, for a few days, about once every 2 or 3 months and for a bit longer in the winter. Good luck!