My quail is sitting on eggs but Im not sure if they are fertile

[nrchickm]

I got 2 Japanese quail(females) , 3 Chinese quail(2 female, one male) and one jap/chin cross (male)in September last year. They were all getting along great and all the females were laying nearly everyday until I went away to Malta to work for 2 and a half weeks. When I was away the person looking after them told me that all 3 Chinese had been killed by one of the Japanese leaving just 2 Japanese females and one male cross. When I got back from Malta and checked on them, the killer Japanese quail was sitting on 8 eggs and I have seen the cross quail mate with her many times. I don't know how long she has been sitting on them for, at least 10 days and as long as 18. I took a few from under her today and shone a light through them, one was a pale yellow colour and 3 were an orangey colour but none had veins or anything, does that mean they are infertile? And what should I do next. Also I was going to get a male jap in the past but never got round to it, is that a bad idea ? And I would like to get a few budgies or finches for the aviary, would that stop her from sitting in the future?

 

[Quail Keeper]

Take one egg from under her, if you are willing to get rid of it, and crack it in a bowl or cup or something of the sort. By this time, you should see veins and even some half-grown eyes or so. This is the only true way to tell with quail that lay colored eggs.

 

[nrchickm]

Thanks that's great, ill wait another 6 days or so before I do so. It's rare that quails sit on their eggs isn't it? Do they make good mothers or should I prepare to hand rear ? I'm still really new to quails and didn't expect this

 

[Quail Keeper]

It is indeed very rare for a domesticated quail to brood chicks. In my years, I haven't had any go broody, except for one, who didn't stay on the nest for the full extent. I would expect their motherly instincts to take over and I would give her a try. Just try to keep an eye on her.

 

[oktx]

I have one very popular girl who likes to sit on the eggs but I just take them all away from her anyway. I doubt if her motherly instincts would keep her sitting long enough to hatch and I've got 20 in the brooder right now anyway. Don't need more babies for a while.

 

[nrchickm]

They weren't fertile. She must have been sitting on them for like 24 days so I took them away from her and i went to see them there and now the same quail has gathered up some Chinese quail eggs that were lying about and is now sitting on them haha