Jumbo Bobwhites

[smoothmule]

I just got a trio of young Jumbo bobwhites. At what age do they breed/lay eggs? Are they seasonal or lay all year (providing they are fed right and warm enough)...

 

[Emilys3guppies]

Quote:
I understand that bobwhites start to lay between 21-24 weeks of age.

Congrats on your new birds!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Yep, bobwhites are more like chickens when it comes to egg-laying. But since it is so late in the year, don't expect any until March or April of next year.

 

[smoothmule]

Thanks, by then I'll feel I have them ready and settled in better

 

[Sialia]

They will lay year round if you use artificial lighting.

 

[smoothmule]

Even at this young age? Are the jumbo not seasonal layers then?
That would be very cool. I plan to incubate the eggs anyway.
How many days can their eggs be kept before setting them in the incubator?

I really appreciate your post. I will be putting them in this cage and it has a light in it but not in the nest box. It's half inch by half inch wire and very secure. The back is solid wood but the other 3 sides are open, do I need to cover it more when it gets colder this winter? I planned to leave it outside but I can move it before putting them in it. I was thinking if I put it in the barn, it would have better wind break and it's open to the south for sunshine. The chicken coop is in there though, and my 2 turkeys roost there and guineas....would that be too much disturbance for them? Should I give them a more private area? It would mean they would be outside.

 

[smoothmule]

I forgot to add the photo of the cage I'll be using

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quail seem to be more susceptible to the cold than just the light alone. My coturnix slow down when the temps dropped here lately. So you will probably need heat and light to get them to lay year-round, which is not good for them, by the way.

They are seasonal layers (like any other type of game bird), so they will lay normally from March/April through October/November, or even longer.

ETA: How big is that cage? And for how many birds? Bobwhites are very different from coturnix, they need a lot more space. They would do better in a larger flight cage than in one like that.

 

[JJMR794]

Quote:
DROPPED? HECK Y'ALL AINT HAD ANY HIGH TEMPS YET THIS YEAR! I'M SURPRISED YOU HAVENT HAD TO PUT LIL COATS ON THEM...

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
DROPPED? HECK Y'ALL AINT HAD ANY HIGH TEMPS YET THIS YEAR! I'M SURPRISED YOU HAVENT HAD TO PUT LIL COATS ON THEM...

Here?? It was mid 90's for over a month straight! We are in the south my man!