Need a little information

[grabs28]

Hello! I'm new here, and recently bought four couturnix jumbo quail (one male and three females) from my neighbors. I've read up on how to care for them and have them set up in a coop. However, my neighbors said they've never laid, and also that they're related. The son of the neighbors is always carrying them around and playing with them, so I think that the stress is why they haven't laid. My question is if they are related and I wanted to breed, would I be able to? Thank you!

 

[eggbert420]

Yes

 

[grabs28]

So there wouldn't be any ill effects?

 

[eggbert420]

No

 

[grabs28]

They are siblings. How many generations would they be able to inbreed?

 

[eggbert420]

Until they start coming out jacked up wich will probably never happen. If you're worried about it you could always find one from another breeder.

 

[grabs28]

Alright. I would Only breed every now and then to replenish my egg laying stock. I am a vegetarian so I wouldn't eat them.

 

[eggbert420]

Because quail don't live very long (about 2 years or sometimes a little longer) stock gets naturally refreshed regularly anyway. Good luck

 

[grabs28]

Thanks!

 

[DK newbie]

According to research, coturnix quail start having reduced fertility after about 3 generations of inbreeding. The more generations, the lower fertility. Breeding full siblings to each other is worse than breeding a father to his daughters for instance - the latter is often used for line breeding, for instance to create bigger birds.