Quail Chicks Missing Feathers

[jaycopper]

I recently hatched 17 coturnix quail from an incubator, they are currently about a week and a half old. In the past few days I've noticed that a lot of them are missing feathers on their backs.

I have read that this can be due to overcrowding, or to insufficient protein in their diet.
They are eating 22% protein duck starter at the moment, and I also give them one boiled and mashed chicken egg every day to supplement their protein.
Their brooder is 25"x15".

Is this an issue with overcrowding, lack of protein, both, or neither?
I've never raised quail before, so I'm hoping that somebody with more experience can help me.

 

[TwistyTW]

I’m not an expert so take this with a grain of salt, but to me it looks like they need more room.

 

[Nabiki]

22% protein is a bit low for quail chicks. It should be around 28%. They are also a bit overcrowded, which will cause them to pick each others' feathers out like that.

 

[jaycopper]

Ok, thanks for the help! I have a bigger cage that I will move them into, and I'll find higher protein food.