Quail egg laying questions

[KrisOdden]

As I am brand new to all of this these questions may seem simple, but I still need to know.

What time of day do quail usually lay eggs?
How often should I collect them?
Should they be washed before used? If so, with what?
Any other pointers?

 

[Irajoe]

First to qualify...this is from my experience and by no means expert. For the past few years, I've had anywhere from 100 to 11 (current count) quail. They've been pretty predictable, laying mostly in the late afternoon hours. For eating, I collect the eggs every day, but still use the ones that I miss and get the next day. I just try to not let them stay in the 100 degree weather for extended periods of time. For hatching, I still collect every day and keep no more than 7 days of turning before incubating. My cages have rollout trays that make the collecting super easy and keep the eggs much cleaner. When necessary, I do clean witih lukewarm water. I've read that cold water will case the porous egg to draw in the bacteria that you're trying to wash. I always refigerate the eggs for eating...haven't thought of a reason no to do so. Quail scissors are a must for me! Hope that helps.

 

[KrisOdden]

Thank you! What are quail scissors?

 

[Irajoe]

I hope this link shows: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EOY3ZE...t=&hvlocphy=9010441&hvtargid=pla-310637901242

I bought a bunch on ebay for much less but longer shipping times.

 

[Binki]

I don't wash my eggs except before eating them - the hens leave a natural protective layer on the eggshell which helps to keep out bad bacteria

I always float test my eggs in case some get cracked, I mix them up with older ones, etc.

Simply put the eggs in water - if they float, they're bad so toss them. If they're at the bottom but kinda trying to float up, then you should hardboil them or eat them soon

If they lay on the bottom then they should be fresh!

 

[Nyla]

My quails would lay towards the end of the day. (My quails are kept inside) So I started turning on a light at 11pm and shutting it off at 1pm, so they would lay early in the morning for me. I did this because I sold their eggs for hatching and wanted to ship freshly laid eggs before mail person came to pickup mail.
My quails also laid an egg a day for about a whole month then took a couple days off and then a whole month again of laying.
I only wash eggs that I'm about to eat. If your going to incubate them, then do not wash them. You need the bloom to stay intact to protect ageist bacteria.
Also some people find quails to be loud. I personally don't, but when family stays over they find them loud.