What to feed quail chicks?

[HillBillyFL]

I'm about to get Coturnix quail chicks and don't really know what to feed them. I mean I have heard you can crush up adult quail feed for them. But I want to be safe and sure.

 

[CascadiaRiver]

We just feed them our high protein game bird feed (which we also feed our quails) crumbled up to tiny bite sizes I think you've got it unless I'm doing it wrong xD

 

[junebuggena]

Just make sure you get the high protein stuff. My local feed store has two options for game bird feed, 28% chick starter or 16% adult.

 

[Binki]

Just make sure you get the high protein stuff. My local feed store has two options for game bird feed, 28% chick starter or 16% adult. 

Hey there I think 16% is what my adult laying chickens get - I believe most quail owners would recommend at least 20% protein for adult quail?

 

[junebuggena]

Those are just what my local store has formulated for game birds. The game bird chow for adults is ridiculously low in protein. And they only have the starter available in the early summer.
Different stores carry different brands, so you should always read the label and never assume that because the bag says it's for game birds, that it is going to meet their needs.

 

[BobDBirdDog]

Go with the 28% crumble for the chicks and pellets for the adults. If its commercial, it probably has grit in it as well as some meat protein (which is what they need). Your in for a host of issues with quail if you feed anything less than 21% to adults. Chicks need higher 28 as they are growing. Manna chick starter, be aware they have 2 chick starters one is lower protein (22%) and the one you want is higher 28%, so watch the labels each time you get a bag.

Most Feed mills (custom mix) that formulate their own feed mixes will (a lot of times) use soybean to boost the protein percents up to whatever is requested. My quail would never touch the crushed soybean so they were not getting the necessary protein they need. It almost seemed they would starve before eating it and kicked most of it on the ground to rot.
But in many states I hear the wild quail love soybean fields, must be the bugs by my birds rule book......but if wrong...go figure!

If your in FL, try some of the farmers coop and ask for #194 (28% crumble) for the chicks, #126 for the adults (21% layer ration pellet).
TSC usually carries the Manna brand I mentioned above.