Raising Quail: A Few Questions

[ClickerChick]

My friend and I want to raise quail for showing, but we know almost nothing about them. I've been researching all day so far, and I want to get facts that I haven't found.

1. Do I need a permit or licence to raise quail in Washington state?
2. What breed would be best for a beginner?
3. Should I buy chicks or hatching eggs?
4. If I do get eggs, what do you recommend for the humidity? (Temp is usually about 100 F in all poultry, I know that )
5. How many should I get? We just want a few each, because we only have a backyard, not a 12 acre field .

Thanks in advance!

 

[TwoCrows]

My friend and I want to raise quail for showing, but we know almost nothing about them. I've been researching all day so far, and I want to get facts that I haven't found.

1. Do I need a permit or licence to raise quail in Washington state? You need to ask your fish and game dept in your state.
2. What breed would be best for a beginner? Coturnix Quail are the easiest to start with.
3. Should I buy chicks or hatching eggs? You are best with hatching eggs, however not ever bird you hatch will be show quality. You will need to start with a good breeding line from a good breeder.
4. If I do get eggs, what do you recommend for the humidity? (Temp is usually about 100 F in all poultry, I know that )
This all depends on the type of quail you are hatching. Generally temp for quail is 99.5 Humidity ranges from 45 to 60% depending on type of quail.
5. How many should I get? We just want a few each, because we only have a backyard, not a 12 acre field Quail are not free ranged and most folks keep quail in pens/cages. So you do not need a ton of room. You can start with as many as you want to handle. Keep in mind, some quail are colony raised, others are kept in pairs during breeding season.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ClickerChick]

I have been looking for the fish and game website, but I'm not sure if this is it. Do you think I would find the info on here, and where, or should I see if I can call them?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/

 

[TwoCrows]

Here, try this...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/429252/game-bird-permit-licencsure-information

I have never looked thru this entire thing, but maybe you can gleen something out of it.

 

[ClickerChick]

That is where I got the site. I'm still not sure about the rules for the state...

 

[aaabirdman]

Yep coturnix are the best to start with. My friend has some.

 

[greymane]

Agreed. Coturnix are the way to go. Very easy to care for.

 

[ClickerChick]

My friend has a neighbor that raises all kinds of birds, and occasionally raises quail. I will talk to him about quail, and see what he knows. Thanks, everybody! I'll look into getting some of those Coturnix...

Any more info on the care of quail would be appreciated!