What to Feed Quail

[Emerson DeCurtins]

Hey, I can’t find any organic quail feed in Canada. What should I feed laying quails and what should I feed pet quails? I found an organic non-medicated chick stater that is 20% protein. I want to feed them organic feed. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jalloway]

Look for gamebird food if you can find some near you. You will want a 26-28% protein for your layers

 

[Emerson DeCurtins]

Look for gamebird food if you can find some near you. You will want a 26-28% protein for your layers

I thought 28% for chicks. Wouldn’t that be too much for grown quail? I can’t find any organic game bird feed.

 

[Jalloway]

I thought 28% for chicks. Wouldn’t that be too much for grown quail? I can’t find any organic game bird feed.

Quail require higher protein than other birds, they can survive on a lower protein but you’ll run into some possible issues such as smaller eggs and lower immunity. If you can’t find an organic feed that has enough protein, you can either make your own or add protein in like mealworms

 

[vall]

Your quail are 8+ weeks now? Then it's fine to feed chicken layer or flock raiser + oyster shell, if you can't find gamebird breeder in organic.

 

[Emerson DeCurtins]

Quail require higher protein than other birds, they can survive on a lower protein but you’ll run into some possible issues such as smaller eggs and lower immunity. If you can’t find an organic feed that has enough protein, you can either make your own or add protein in like mealworms

Mealworms are a great idea! I also have a poultry supplement that is high in protein I might add.

 

[Emerson DeCurtins]

Your quail are 8+ weeks now? Then it's fine to feed chicken layer or flock raiser + oyster shell, if you can't find gamebird breeder in organic.

They are 2 year old California Quail, I am getting them in a couple days. I am also getting some Coturnix soon as layers (not sure how old). My concern about chicken layer is that it is even lower than chick starter in protein. I will be giving them oyster shell too. Thanks!

 

[vall]

Yep, the standard is 20% protein, but Purina now makes a gamebird layer with 18%, and others here feed chicken layer which is typically 16% now. I'm sticking to 20% as long as I can, but I suspect that may get harder as prices rise. If the other nutrients of that chick starter look comparable to a flock raiser, it could work. Whatever you choose, make sure you grab crumble, not pellets.

 

[Emerson DeCurtins]

Yep, the standard is 20% protein, but Purina now makes a gamebird layer with 18%, and others here feed chicken layer which is typically 16% now. I'm sticking to 20% as long as I can, but I suspect that may get harder as prices rise. If the other nutrients of that chick starter look comparable to a flock raiser, it could work. Whatever you choose, make sure you grab crumble, not pellets.

Ok, thanks for the information. I need to supplement the calcium with oyster shells, but besides that it seems pretty good.

 

[007Sean]

20% to 24% protein is adequate for adult quail...in fact, I raise all my birds from hatch to death on a complete and balanced feed ration of 24% protein.
You only want to give mealworms as a treat, and then, no more than 10% of their total dietary intake.