What to do with Quails?

[Drk_Wlf]

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.

 

[shelleyd2008]

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

 

[Drk_Wlf]

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

 

[Wifezilla]

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