how to encourage breeding?

[ButtonQuailBoy]

I want more quails but mine don't seem to be interested in mating...Any tips on encouragement? Ty! JD

 

[arlee453]

Soft music and a romantic dinner??

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

Are they not producing fertile eggs or are they just not hatching their own?

What kind of quail are they?
Depending on what type you have they may lay lots but not incubate them themselfs.

Quail like Cortunix have the brooding instinct bred out of them, they do not go broody and hatch their own so you need to artificially hatch them.
With Buttons it depends on a couple factors wether they will hatch their own eggs or not A) if they have been hatched by a momma themselfs(not so likely to brood if the haven't) and B)enclosure size, type and setup.

Bobwhite quail I know will sit if they live in a well setup aviary that looks as natural as you can.
As to other types of the north american type quail, I am not so sure about their tendency to go broody in captivity, but I am guessing they need a well planted aviary like the bobs.

Hope this helps,
Anna

 

[ButtonQuailBoy]

they never even an egg..they are buttons...

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

are you sure they are male and female? Some colours can be a bit tricky to tell.

How old are they? What are you feeding?

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

Quote:
If you're positive there are female in the group then it's possible they are eating their eggs

 

[ButtonQuailBoy]

I still need help i have a definite male/female pair because only one has a bib...I want them to breed so bad becuase I need fertile eggs...I've yet to see on egg...BTW here they are...

Female

Male

 

[dangerouschicken]

I'm going to say Barry White on the stereo and a little Courvoisier. Works for the Ladies Man.

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

I am guessing you meant to label the bottom one male and the top one female(although not 100% on that one, fancier colour varieties tend to be hard to sex).

How old are they? What are you feeding?

 

[ButtonQuailBoy]

I'm not sure...lol they came to me about a month ago with full feathers...And I'm feeding them Turkey starter...The guy at agway said to feed them it...but then again he also insisted I go to a patent network and sell my new "breed of quail" LOL