Quail lifespan/egg production

[Meleray]

I think butchering would probably be the best/most practical route for us too, but I'm still not sure I could ever make myself do it. Maybe I can find someone locally who would...

Butchering is super easy on quail, much simpler than a chicken. You got this..its part of the process and actually really interesting. Found some neat looking "in process" eggs over the years.