What's the best non-chicken meat bird?

[la dee da]

In all my research on quail I've never read anything about them not tolerating cold or dampness. I think that whoever said that was probably concerned about frostbite, which is caused by humid freezing temperatures. If you do decide to get quail you can hang their cages in your chicken coop. I've seen many pictures of people doing this though there are some health concerns you may want to look into.

Here's a link to a great meat pigeon thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204998 .

Turkeys can be quite noisy. Our next door neighbor has some and though they are generally quiet if someone is making noise they gobble a lot (though it's usually loud noise, so your neighbors may not hear them anyway).

Also, have you considerd rabbits? I know many people can't stand the idea of eating or killing rabbits, but everyone I've talked to says it tasts just like chicken and it's all white meat.

 

[Xtina]

I've definitely considered rabbits, and being a dedicated omnivore, I have no problem eating cute bunnies. What I do have a problem with is that I really don't like rabbit meat. I've had it numerous times - it's common in Greece where my family is from. I find it tough and sinewy, so that makes it a no-go. I'm sure there are breeds that make better meat, but I just don't have much interest in rabbits.

 

[LALASD4]

I have not have any for more than 10 years but pigeon are like chickens, once they get pass a few months old, they are tough and are only good for soup.

 

[SteveH]

You might be interested in this thread :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204998

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

You can't go wrong with quail in my book. Great tasting meat, fast grow out rate, don't take up much space. I attached their pen to the side of the feed barn

Steve

 

[Xtina]

Well, I'm pretty convinced I want to get some quail, but just to revisit it, nobody recommends chukar partridges? I really mean they look tasty. I mean, those are the tastiest looking birds I've ever seen.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

personally I don't like the meat, and I like just about everything else. Care wise I think they are somewhere between a quail and a pheasant. again I would talk to wooden animal if no one else responds as I know he raises them.

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Quail are easier to raise, chuckars take more room and are very flighty. You can see from the quail pic above that it doesn't take much. Chuckars need more room and also it's best to keep them on wire as well. They get ulceritive enteritis (sp) if raised on the ground. Bobwhites and chuckars get it bad. It effects their digestive tract and liver.... most die too.

 

[Bossroo]

I used to raise the Coturnix quail and ringneck pheasants years ago. The quail are great little birds, ready to butcher in 6-8 weeks. Get yourself and your neighbors some ear plugs for constant nightly all night long sarronades by the cocks. The pheasants require large pens or they will be hellbent on killing their own brethren neighbor.

 

[Xtina]

Oh no, quail are noisy? I won't be able to do it if that's the case. I mean, I'll discuss it with the neighbors. Maybe they'll put up with it in exchange for meat. Tell me more about the noise factor!