Is it too cold for the eggs?

[albinosilver]

My quail pair have built a nice nest and the female is starting to lay eggs in it. Currently there are 4 eggs. They haven't started sitting yet since the clutch is not done but I'm afraid it is too cold for the eggs to remain viable. Some nights still dip down to -2 degrees Celcius. The eggs are outside in a straw nest. Is that somehow enough insulation to keep them from freezing or is there no hope for this clutch?

 

[Chicka_deee]

Well, -2 C is cold, when was the first egg layed? And how often do they sit on them, also, do you have a male quail?

I would also just get an incubator if I were you.

 

[albinosilver]

Well, -2 C is cold, when was the first egg layed? And how often do they sit on them, also, do you have a male quail?
I would also just get an incubator if I were you.

The first egg was laid maybe 5 days ago. They don't sit on the eggs at all right now but I believe they usually have clutches of around 12 or so and then start sitting. I do have an incubator but I want to see if they would hatch and raise their own chicks.

 

[Kiki]

What type of quail?


Have you had a quail hatch eggs before?

 

[albinosilver]

What type of quail?
Have you had a quail hatch eggs before?

They are bobwhites. I hatched them last summer so this is my first spring trying to breed them. The pair is bonded and have built a nice nest so I have hope they'll do well just not sure if it's too cold still for them to start.

 

[Kiki]

They are bobwhites. I hatched them last summer so this is my first spring trying to breed them. The pair is bonded and have built a nice nest so I have hope they'll do well just not sure if it's too cold still for them to start.

I guess there is only one way to find out.

Good luck! Keep us posted I'd like to follow along.