No eggs

[rayki]

So our quail are about 10 weeks old and have yet to lay eggs Could our cold temps be the culprit? We are in Missouri and have had major fluctuations in temperatures from cold to hot. This week we remained steady. We added a heat lamp just in case. They are on flock crumble with 21%protein. I just bought 1/2lb of meal worms to start growing too. Anything else I should be doing?

 

[mdees88]

What kind of quail do you have?
Do you have them on artificial light?

21% protein is on the low end from my research. I cannot say whether that is a factor or not. But it could be...

 

[rayki]

We have tibetian tuxedos,pansy, fairy, and silver. A few of each.

I am hoping adding in the mealworms will help add onto the protein. I can't find feed that is higher unfortunately.

 

[rayki]

As for lighting they have a red heat lamp light(inside the coop box) plus direct sunlight depending what side of the coop they are on.

 

[paneubert]

I can't find feed that is higher unfortunately.

Where are you located? If in the US, it should not be that hard to find some "turkey starter".

 

[rayki]

Where are you located? If in the US, it should not be that hard to find some "turkey starter".

That is currently what I am using. But only 21%The others that I have found is medicated. I am Missouri. I am going to look at a local feed store as well. But until then I will add mealworms.

 

[paneubert]

I find it weird that something they are calling turkey starter is so low protein. That is nuts. The feed store should be able to help you out!

 

[mdees88]

Okay so you have coturnix. Did you recently purchase them or have you had them for 10 weeks?

I purchased some 4-5 week olds and put them in my cages. It was another 5-6 weeks before I got my first thing. Another 2 weeks before the majority were laying. Weird thing is I swapped them from 24% chick starter to 30% turkey starter and they started laying eggs 2 days later.

By lighting I meant do you keep a light on them for 15-17 hours a day. I do so they will lay all year. I guess they should lay this time of year without the additional light but I use it anyway.

I would up the protein if you can and it may just take some more time.

 

[rayki]

We have had them for for about 8 weeks. They have been outside for 4 week. Yes they have lighting available for most of the day. It's on from about 8am-10pm inside the coop. But we don't force them into the coop if they don't want to be in there.

Okay so you have coturnix. Did you recently purchase them or have you had them for 10 weeks?

I purchased some 4-5 week olds and put them in my cages. It was another 5-6 weeks before I got my first thing. Another 2 weeks before the majority were laying. Weird thing is I swapped them from 24% chick starter to 30% turkey starter and they started laying eggs 2 days later.

By lighting I meant do you keep a light on them for 15-17 hours a day. I do so they will lay all year. I guess they should lay this time of year without the additional light but I use it anyway.

I would up the protein if you can and it may just take some more time.

What brand is your turkey starter?Where do you purchase it from(if you don't mind me asking)?

 

[rayki]

I find it weird that something they are calling turkey starter is so low protein. That is nuts. The feed store should be able to help you out!

I hope I am able to find some !