What is required in Quail Feed?

[pdxfarmer]

So I'm recently new to Quail. Just hatched out 21 (Down to 19- one to the cat and another to nature) Jumbo Coturnix Quail ( 3 weeks old now ). I've had them on Game Chick Starter (non-medicated). I need to buy more feed, and there is a ton of info floating around about catfood/phesant/etc. I'm a simple guy, I just want to know what they need, and I don't want to feed edible birds catfood.

I'm raising them 'organic' no meds etc. And I'd like to keep it that way since the sole purpose in having them is for eggs and meat production for my family. Because of that I don't want to just feed them to feed them. I'd like to feed them so they might naturally become a healthy source of nutrient dense food.

I see Payback has an Organic Chick starter that is 20% protein, and the turkey feeds I've seen around me are all medicated and only 17%. Most feed store people I've talked to come down with a stuttering problem when I mention I've got quail, and eventually come to a conclusion of "here try this." No thanks.

We live in Portland, Or. Get all four seasons. And would love to feed these quail consistent, healthy feed from hatch to table.

I seriously appreciate your time and insight, and so does my family.
Many Thanks
pdxfarmer

 

[speedy2020]

I feed gamebird crumble 28% protein and add some chicken layer feed to the mix when they start to lay.