Quails moulting before their first lay

[henri123]

Hi. We've 14 quail at least 8 weeks old who haven't laid yet but now appear to be moulting....would this stop their first lay? Not having much luck sexing them either...two are white Texas a &m, two cinnamon coloured, two big, dark and speckled and the rest Japanese. Fed on marriages quail pellets with mealworms added in. They have a grit bath but no other additional calcium etc. Light for about 12 hours a day, Kent in uk. Any advice would be great...especially about sexing!

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

Sorry I know nothing about quail, but would suggest you post your questions under the Quail forum.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens.- I don't know anything about quail either but, you can ask your questions on the "Quail threads." Just put that in the search box and it will come up for you.

 

[Pork Pie]

Greetings and welcome to our community. Sadly, like the other members here, I know zilch about quail. I'm sure that the quail peeps will be able to help though.

Best wishes
CT

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings, henri123, and . Happy you joined us! Yes, try the quail forum. Good luck to you!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you. I'm not a quail keeper so I can't really help you with them, but good luck finding answers!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[japking]

Hi. We've 14 quail at least 8 weeks old who haven't laid yet but now appear to be moulting....would this stop their first lay? Not having much luck sexing them either...two are white Texas a &m, two cinnamon
coloured, two big, dark and speckled and the rest Japanese. Fed on marriages quail pellets with mealworms added in. They have a grit bath but no other additional calcium etc. Light for about 12 hours a day, Kent in uk. Any advice would be great...especially about sexing!

Lack of protein is one of the reasons for molting but I don't think you have that problem. The other is seasonal changes. Also Quails don't lay while they are molting or in winter. Regarding sexing quails look for a speckled chest in females and a bib or no speckles in males. Otherwise upload some pictures! Would love to see them!

 

[CuzChickens]

Welcome to Backyard chickens! I know absolutely nothing about raising quail, so I will just say HELLO! And I wish you the best of luck!