Orphan Quail...

[JLJones]

Hi all, I am new here but not new to chickens. This morning my cat brought me a small baby quail in my garden. I searched high and low for the nest to return it, but couldn't find it. I can only assume that it was out on a walk with the family and got separated by the garden fence since I've seen several flocks of babies wandering our property. What do I do now? I've raised chicks but I have no idea how to raise quail. Can it be all that different? I'm pretty sure this is a California Quail since that is what we have in the area. It seems pretty vigorous once it got over the shock of the ride inside a cat's mouth. : ) Anyway, any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea how old it is, but I can post photos if that would help.

Thanks a bunch!

Jill Jones
Montague, California

 

[Sycamore27]

Hello and welcome!
I would strongly recommend getting this baby to a wildlife rehabilitator. It may be illegal to keep it.
In the mean time, you can put it under a heat lamp and offer it some crushed up hard boiled egg to eat and a small dish of water with marbles.
Here is a thread from a while back about someone else who found a baby quail missing its family.

Good luck!
Jessie

 

[dc3085]

Do what you think is best. Often wild birds will not eat until they are in the surrounding they are used to. In CA the fish and game tried to relocate existing coveys of quail to new areas to promote their spread. Upon release the quail began an exodus to their old home and most died along the way from malnutrition. That said call a rehabber, if you cant find one try to give it some chick starter and water. It is illegal to interfere with any wild avian in US so keep that in mind.

 

[JLJones]

Thanks Jessie and DC,

I contacted a wildlife rehab person the same day and was able to drop the chick off to her. She was cautiously optimistic. So I'm hoping for the best. Thanks for your help!

Jill