Quail feed

[GodLovesU]

I have a trio of 6 month old male button quail. I have had them on Turkey/quail starter. Should I change them to another feed? If so, what can I buy at TSC?

 

[FowlProtector]

It's a good idea to move your 6-month-old male button quail past the quick growth phase and away from the high-protein turkey/quail starter. A maintenance meal with somewhat less protein (usually 16–18%) is preferable for adult quail, whereas starter feeds are designed for young, developing birds.Look for poultry or game bird feed that satisfies these requirements at TSC. For instance, you may look for goods like Purina Game Bird Feed or poultry feed with a comparable recipe. In the absence of feed designated expressly for game birds, a high-quality layer meal that does not contain the additional calcium intended for females that lay eggs can also be effective.To help avoid any gastric disturbance, gradually transition the feed over a period of 7–10 days by combining increasing amounts of the new feed with the old. By making this adjustment, you can make sure your adult quail receives the well-balanced diet they require for maintenance rather than growth.

 

[FowlProtector]

I advise switching your adult button quail to a maintenance diet with 16–18% less protein. If it's available, you may search for a game bird feed at TSC, such as Purina Game Bird Feed. Otherwise, a high-quality poultry feed designed for adult birds (rather than laying hens) ought to be effective. Transitioning Tip: To prevent gastric distress, gradually combine the new diet with the turkey/quail starter over 7–10 days. This will provide them with a healthy diet that is more appropriate for maintenance than for quick development.

 

[Nabiki]

At this age, they should be transitioned to an adult feed. You want something in the 20-24% protein range. See if you can get turkey maintenance or a good complete flock crumble. Those will usually have the nutrition that they need.

 

[6-Hens-and-Me]

At this age, they should be transitioned to an adult feed. You want something in the 20-24% protein range. See if you can get turkey maintenance or a good complete flock crumble. Those will usually have the nutrition that they need.

When should I transition my coturnixes onto a grower food?

 

[Nabiki]

When should I transition my coturnixes onto a grower food?

Around 10-12 weeks is when you should be changing them over to their permanent adult feed.

Here's an article to help you know what to look for in their feed.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-to-feed-your-quail.79205/

 

[6-Hens-and-Me]

Around 10-12 weeks is when you should be changing them over to their permanent adult feed.

Here's an article to help you know what to look for in their feed.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/what-to-feed-your-quail.79205/

Thank you, but it says on the bag of feed I’m giving them I should take it out of their diet at 3-4 weeks as it’s medicated so it won’t transfer into the eggs.Thats when I’m to move them onto grower feed? It’s confusing because they grow so quickly!!!

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you, but it says on the bag of feed I’m giving them I should take it out of their diet at 3-4 weeks as it’s medicated so it won’t transfer into the eggs.Thats when I’m to move them onto grower feed? It’s confusing because they grow so quickly!!!

Oh. Don't use medicated feed. See if you can find a turkey/pheasant starter that is non-medicated until they're old enough to switch over. The article I gave you also shows what they should be eating as chicks vs. adults.

 

[6-Hens-and-Me]

Thank you, but it says on the bag of feed I’m giving them I should take it out of their diet at 3-4 weeks as it’s medicated so it won’t transfer into the eggs.

Oh. Don't use medicated feed. See if you can find a turkey/pheasant starter that is non-medicated until they're old enough to switch over. The article I gave you also shows what they should be eating as chicks vs. adults.

Why shouldn’t I be feeding medicated, it’s specifically for quail ? It says on the bag “ Quail starter 29% protein, medicated.
Do not feed 3 weeks before eggs, transfer to grower feed at this time”

 

[Nabiki]

Why shouldn’t I be feeding medicated, it’s specifically for quail ? It says on the bag “ Quail starter 29% protein, medicated.
Do not feed 3 weeks before eggs, transfer to grower feed at this time”

A lot of the long time breeders say not to use it, and when I accidentally got some medicated feed, I noticed that my chick mortality rate was higher than usual.