Raising Quail for meat?

[m_shuman]

Myself and my father-in-law are thinking about raising quail for meat. What are the things we need to know before we start this project? He wants to raise about 100 birds to begin with and process them a little and along. I would brood them and he would raise them in the grow out pens. Please tell me what we need to know before i start this endeavor.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

have you read thru all the information in the sticky at the top of the page, that covers alot of stuff. other then that, do you have any specific questions?

 

[rittert3]

IMO coturnix would be easier to raise in those numbers than bobwhite especialy if you've never had quail before, also if this is to be a continuing endevor I would hold back some breeders to cut back on cost (coturnix are prolific enough you wouldn't need very many). Those are my hints/tips, other than agreeing with Mibotsu.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

if you are going for meat birds, get Texas A&M's, they are ready in 8 weeks(tho i believe 12 is a little better) they are jumbo size which i think is like, 12oz+ dressed weight(not really sure on this).

few things, find a good source of GAMEBIRD STARTER there are tons of manufacture of this, just make sure its 24% protein or higher non medicated, Purina makes a REALLY good one that i use myself, its called Purina Gamebird Startena(its 30% protein).

w/e coop you make, use 1/2" hardware cloth on the bottom, you'll thank me later.

and um....those are the basics, once again read thru the stickies, and post any specific questions you have.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Quote:
Please don't take this wrong, but there is a LOT of information already here on the forums, and on the internet. What you need to know is that you need to do your research before you start your endeavor, to make sure it's something you can and want to do. There are a lot of quail breeds out there, some less wild than other, some not suited to certain locations. We can't tell you everything you'll need to know, because some of it you will have to learn on your own experience as you go. Start with the search function here, and on the internet, and you will find SO much information.

 

[rittert3]

You could also use jumbo brown coturnix I think only difference between them and A&Ms is color and there for they are easier to sex.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

Quote:
HOLY CRAP shuman...i just realized you are REALLY close to where i live(bluffton, SC) if you need anything just PM me i'm about 30 min away from you(ish)

 

[m_shuman]

Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain :

Quote:
Please don't take this wrong, but there is a LOT of information already here on the forums, and on the internet. What you need to know is that you need to do your research before you start your endeavor, to make sure it's something you can and want to do. There are a lot of quail breeds out there, some less wild than other, some not suited to certain locations. We can't tell you everything you'll need to know, because some of it you will have to learn on your own experience as you go. Start with the search function here, and on the internet, and you will find SO much information.

I have been doing alot of reading It is just sometimes the amount of information is overwhelming and I was hoping to get some highlights from those of you who have done this before. This is not my FIL's first time raising birds. He has done it many times before he grew up on a farm. I think he wants to raise Bobwhites.​

 

[m_shuman]

Quote:
HOLY CRAP shuman...i just realized you are REALLY close to where i live(bluffton, SC) if you need anything just PM me i'm about 30 min away from you(ish)

Wow it is nice to know someone who is close that has done this. I might be using you as a resource if we do this. My FIL says fall and winter down here in the south is the best time to raise birds.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

there are some very nice sized bobs out there you can choose from, they don't grow ANYWHERE near as fast as coturnix tho.

yea i've found a few places around here that got some good stuff.