when should I expect eggs??

[hollyrocker]

My courtnex are 7 weeks old, still no eggs from my girl. When should I expect to see them??

 

[topgunbobby]

All things being right, your quail begin to lay around 6 to 7 weeks. How many females do you have? Are you feeding them at least 24% protein feed? After that, they may need a little extra artificial light to encourage them. I know that some feed lacks the vitamins and calcium to get them in good shape, too. Also, when I moved my quail, it took almost 2 weeks for them to begin laying again. I think it stressed them a little.

 

[hollyrocker]

I only have the one girl. I'm feeding them all traditional layer mash and they have a generous portion of mealworms a day. I'm new to this and want to do right by them.
I'm just giving them the food in the powdery form, is this correct? I've seen some people add water to it to make a paste?

 

[wolftracks]

They usually say 8 weeks, but I get them between 7 and 12 weeks. One day you have nothing and then all of a sudden there are always eggs. I feed 30% Gamebird crumbles to mine. They don't get a lot else other than frozen fruits and veggies in the summer and fresh one (not much( in the winter.

 

[hollyrocker]

I'm just really wanting them to have the best life I can offer, I'd hate to do something wrong

 

[wolftracks]

Sounds like they aren't starving. LOL The meal worms add protein. What powdery? feed are they eating? Those are crumbles and mine get them dry from day one.

 

[hollyrocker]

Yes the layer mash Is like powder, I wondered if I had to add water?

 

[new2quail]

Mine didn't lay until they were 12 weeks. Try giving them oyster shell that might be the calcium boost they need. Otherwise they might just not be ready yet.

 

[wolftracks]

No dry is fine.I have a pen of 15 week olds and just started getting eggs last week. It depends on weather, lighting and nutrition. These guys are plump and heavy, so it's been nice to finally see eggs. Earliest I've ever seen them was at 7 weeks and that was just one of 2 and I've had quail for a few years now. It's just like when people panic at 21 and 22 days for chickens to hatch. They hatch when they want to and are ready, just like laying. It's up to that particular bird. They don't read the books and websites we do, so they don't know when to start. LOL

 

[hollyrocker]

Thank you, your replies are really helpful. I'm a first timer so I worry about the little things!