New to Quail!

[WaterfowlWierdo]

I bought 12 northern bobwhite quail yesterday and they are 2 days old now and tiny as ever! I had a few questions about raising them. I was wondering how long it takes them to be fully feathered but not mature? Everywhere I read it tells the maturity age but that doesn't matter to me yet.
Thanks!

 

[TwoCrows]

Start the brooder temp out at 97 degrees, thermometer directly beneath the lamp on the floor. Heat on one side and the food and water on the other so they have to leave the heat to get to the goods. It helps Bobs to use an infra red bulb as well.

Crush their food up for a week or so, so they can eat it. Lay down paper towels and sprinkle the food on the floor around the feeder so they can find it. Use a chick waterer or put marbles or tiny stones in a regular water base so they don't drown. Dip everybody's beak in the water so they know where the water is.

Lower the temp by 5 degrees each week for 5 to 6 weeks. If they start to pick on each other in the brooder, they may be out growing the brooder. (Bobs need a lot of room.) So offer more space, AND lower the heat about 3 degrees. Lower it from this point by 5 degrees each week.

By 3 weeks, they will start to feather out and lose their downy fluff. By the 11th or 12th week, they will have all their adult feathers and you will be able to sex them.

They are mature at 6 months, however since yours will mature in the winter, they will not start laying until next spring.

Enjoy your Bobs!

 

[WaterfowlWierdo]

Sorry I didn't respond for awhile! But I did follow your advice and so far it has worked beautifully and I have thirteen happy little guys!(the store gave me an extra one)
Also is it common for one to have his top mandible shorter than the bottom?