Thinking about raising quail but have some questions

[Rondiesel]

I would say you couldn't go wrong with getting an incubator and hatching your own. would even out, or even be cheaper in the long run. Hatcheries seem to hate shipping quail chicks because the mortality rate is usually high. Such a small chick just cant survive as long like a chicken or duck can in the mail. Bobwhites, valleys, etc... are WAY different as far as raising and brooding compared to coturnix quail which is what you would want obviously want for eggs. The new world quail are more aggressive, a lot more skiddish, and for the most part more "touchy" than the coturnix. Find a source for some good fertilized eggs and hatch your own. They're pretty durable by doing that and usually your mortality rate is pretty low. Very easy birds to raise, especially after the first couple weeks. Nothing lays quicker and if you wanna keep a rooster or two around for fertilized eggs, they dont require much room, or you could butcher for meat. They are pretty easy birds, and if you read the stickies and tuned up some knowledge, you will be fine. We have raised them for several years and always got our hatching eggs from James Marie Farms. Best Quail around but getting shipments can sometimes be a hassle with Robbie. My only other suggestion is to get an auto egg turner, because turning all those tiny eggs gets old fast. As far as how long they lay, we always refreshed every year but we had consistent layers much longer. Easy birds so go for it, I just recommend hatching instead of ordering chicks.

 

[K813ZRA]

Thank you. I have actually been reading incubator reviews because it does sound like a fun idea. I thought about splitting an order as I said but hatching sounds fun too...I am a very indecisive person, lol.

 

[Rondiesel]

I would also add to raise them in a secure hutch style enclosure with half inch hardware cloth to stay disease free and safe. Also makes egg collection easier because they lay whenever the time hits and keep right on walking. no need for nesting boxes or such. Just a container for dust baths is much appreciated. Good luck!

 

[Rondiesel]

They are fun to hatch. Not much cuter than quail chicks. Also a very easy bird to hatch. If you try it and hate it, incubators are easy to sell and its not like you'll have a shed size coop and run to tear down...

 

[K813ZRA]

I actually have three shed size coops and a barn size coop now for my chickens and a shed that I can dedicate to hatching projects. Outbuildings are not something that I am lacking. But I was thinking about cage/hutch style enclosures within the shed.

 

[Rondiesel]

Thats what we finally did. Cages within the shed/coop. We used poop boards underneath and that made cleaning fairly easy. Sounds like you're fairly set up already. Go for it!!

 

[Rondiesel]

Also didn't see much about feed on here. You will want a gamebird starter crumble from hatch through adult hood. Maintain a protein level of 26 to 30 percent. They need a higher protein than other poultry because of their fast growing and crazy egg production.