So me and the hubby are planning on buying an incubator and the one we are looking at has a package deal with 30 Bobwhite Quail eggs.... We only have chickens right now, but we just can't help ourselves. Our sum total knowledge of quails is as follows: They fly (so they need a secure pen that they can't fly out of) They shouldn't be raised with chickens because of dieses They are normally raise for hunting purposes They are CUTE! They need a high protein diet They normally stay in a brooder for 6 weeks before being put in outside pens They need a enclosed area where they can gather to stay warm in cold winters Now some things I would like to know.... are they good to eat? is there a market for their meat or am I going to end up with a bunch of birds in the freezer I can't get rid of. If I don't eat them are they good layers? Can they be handled or are they naturally flighty animals.
Bobwhites are supposedly better tasting than coturnix, but they take a much longer time to 'grow out'. One thing you've probably not considered is legal issues. Most (if not all) states require you to have a permit to keep bobwhite quail. I know here in KY, we are allowed to own less than 50 for personal use, but legally we can't sell, trade, give away, or hatch bobwhite eggs without a permit
Quote:Looky there I am already out of compliance, domestic ducks are considered game birds in NYS and a permit should be obtained to own, breed, and/or sell them. If that's the case I know a ton of people that are breaking the law
My coturnix quail live in an old dog kennel with corroplast lined walls (the kind yard signs are made out of), and an arched PVC and clear polycarbonate roof. They have a hutch inside if they need some place warmer, but usually just burrow in the straw. I keep mine mainly for eggs, but if I ever get the population level up, roast quail will be on the menu. Those eggs are tasty and make great hors douvres
