Supplemental Lighting Question

[Cinch]

I raise a couple hundred quail for egg production and use a 40 soft white light in the enclosure that turns on when the sun goes down and turns off around midnight. They don’t need much, but it will make a big difference. It will take about two weeks from the point where you add light for them to lay. They’ll lay all winter if you do that! We’ve got dogs, cats, and chickens that go in and out. The quail don’t seem to get stressed if they’re used to it. They should be laying by now. Make sure you give a decent food, not just the cheapest.

 

[NjQuailer]

I raise a couple hundred quail for egg production and use a 40 soft white light in the enclosure that turns on when the sun goes down and turns off around midnight. They don’t need much, but it will make a big difference. It will take about two weeks from the point where you add light for them to lay. They’ll lay all winter if you do that! We’ve got dogs, cats, and chickens that go in and out. The quail don’t seem to get stressed if they’re used to it. They should be laying by now. Make sure you give a decent food, not just the cheapest.

Looking back, I think when I added extra light to them, I might have induced a molt. That was a few weeks ago now, early March. I noticed pin feathers growing on the back of their necks. Could that be the reason for delayed laying? How long do they usually go out of commission on a molt?

 

[Cinch]

Looking back, I think when I added extra light to them, I might have induced a molt. That was a few weeks ago now, early March. I noticed pin feathers growing on the back of their necks. Could that be the reason for delayed laying? How long do they usually go out of commission on a molt?

Not sure the extra light caused it, but the molt will definitely slow or stop egg production for 2-4 weeks