New to button quail, improvising food. Doing right?

[jensen]

Pent, I think jbobs has a point on the vitamin concern but, really, most of the solutions above I think will work at least temporarily. The worms and insects will definitely help satisfy their protein requirements... Hopefully you'll find some turkey or game bird starter soon. Sure makes feeding them an easier job...

 

[jbobs]

Quote:

If you want to add a bit of protien in, boiled egg is a great way to do it, plus the worms too. I have always had mine on 17% chicken layer crumbles with no issues, but it is reccomended to feed them higher. Purina Game Bird Layena is 20%.

 

[Pent]

I have enough of the chicken starter to last about 5 quail generations, lol, so I think that will be a key ingredient in my food mixes for a while, or until I get my chicken coop. I've cut out the vitamins as advised, and am feeding chicken starter/freeze dried bloodworms. I also add greens, a leaf of kale right now, and dandylion greens. I'm drying bunches of the dandylion for winter, too. I love it when weeds have a use. Don't worry, no pesticides or insecticides, and I washed them thoroughly. I'll keep my eyes open for the laying feed, and mix that in there too.

 

[meschelelaisav]

We use Dumor Chick Starter, has about 24% protein...give millet from time to time and also chicken grit and oyster shells from time to time as well. Main thing is making sure they get enoug protein, but like everyone else has said steer away from all the vitamins and ANY medicated food...just too much for these small birds...Good luck!