Minimum % protein for coturnix quail chicks?

[Lilyofsalen]

Here's a study about protein requirements for quail in the rearing and laying stages:
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?sc...s of 24 and 20,the growing and laying periods.

 

[Lilyofsalen]

You could also supplement with insect protein. Keeping a mealworm colony is really easy and they are quite productive. Another good insect to feed are Dubia roaches, they are higher in protein and lower in fat than mealworms as well.

 

[NatJ]

I found a 'game feed' at 27% protein but only sells in a 50lbs bag. If I feed this to the chicks can I mix it with less protein ingredients later when they are fully grown? Since I don't think a dozen of them will go through that much from 0-4 weeks lol

Yes, you could mix it with a lower-protein food later.
You can also feed some of it to any chickens or other poultry you have, after the quail have grown enough to no longer need it.
You can also put a small amount in the freezer to store for the next batch of quail chicks.

In my area, it would probably be cheaper to buy 50 pounds of game bird starter, rather than buying something like mealworms (which seem horribly expensive.) Of course, relative prices might be different where you are.

 

[Cluck Cluck Farmer]

Curious as to what you ended up doing and how it all turned out...

 

[Charlie Wooster]

You only plan to feed it to them 4 weeks?