How long do Coturnix quail live?

[rachel]

From what little I've found, the answer seems to vary between 2 and 5 years in captivity. Do any of you with experience have an answer for this?
Also, if you butcher a quail that's 1 year old will it be tough like an old hen? (Quail au vin anyone?) Thanks!

 

[monarc23]

I think Citalk2much has some oldie coturnix cuties

I wouldnt know from experience on how old they can be yet but I do know that if the hens are laying year round they will expire quicker than a hen that only lays during a natural yearly season.

as for culling like say over a year old bird or something like that, I don't see how it would really effect thembut hey it im not sure? LOL

 

[shelleyd2008]

I would say until Niki gets out her trusty scissors and cuts off their heads!

She's like the Queen of Hearts in 'Alice in Wonderland'....."Off with their heads!!"

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
yeah in a few more months I'll be replacing out my oldies and they'll be a year by then sooo i'm sure I will cull most so LOL i'll have some experience then with if the meat is tough or not LOL!