Quail question

[TwoCrows]

Bobwhites are to be kept in pairs only unless you have huge spaces and then you can get away with a colony. But either way, they mate for life with one bird. Another female on the side will get hurt or killed.

 

[quail dude]

So if I don't use a high protein food they won't lay?

 

[TwoCrows]

If you use low protein feed, they will not lay well and can stop all together. They also need higher protein to sustain life. So try to keep it above 20% or 22% protein....24% and above preferred.

 

[quail dude]

I found a 20% protein is that good enough?

 

[TwoCrows]

Barely. You could always add a supplement of some sort. A poultry supplement to the feed.

 

[quail dude]

Like a protein supplement?

 

[TwoCrows]

There are poultry supplements out there like Farmers Helper Ultra Kibble, Calf Manna, Egg Food supplements for parrots. Can't you find any quail or turkey food in your area? Can you order quail feed on line?

 

[quail dude]

I found GAME BIRD BREEDER LAYENA

Breeder diet it's got 20% protein

 

[TwoCrows]

If you are keeping males, you don't want to feed this to them as it contains too much calcium for their kidneys. It is best to feed a starter or grower feed and feed oyster shell on the side for the layers. Too much calcium can destroy the kidneys of the males.

 

[quail dude]

But would that be good for the females?