why arent my quails producing eggs? :(

[kinsley98]

Hi everyone i got 17 cortnix quails i have 5 males and 12 females i had them for 2 months now and they are in the aviary with some other birds like 2 ducks and 2 pigeons. They have no layed a single egg and i dont know why. I made these boxes for them where they can shelter when it's windy and i have put hay in them *the aviary has got a ceiling*. They do sleep inside them but they have never layed an egg any one can sugest why? I feed them chick crumbs and some corn should i maybe try to feed them something different? Any suggestions pls?

 

[shotgunrem14]

Lack of Light is the issue. Quail do not naturally lay this time of year because the days are shorter. If you want them to start laying you can put a light on them to make sure they get 14-16 hours of light. However, it will still take 3-4 weeks for them to start laying. Natural my they will start laying in the spring which isn't that far anyhow. You should start feeding them a Game Bird Feed as they are game birds.

 

[kinsley98]

Ohh i didn t know about the light thing thanks. What does game bird food consist of? Like what seeds bcs i never came across game bird food

 

[shotgunrem14]

What I buy comes in a crumble. Looks the same as chick starter. You can get it at your local feed store I'm sure.

 

[jopheso]

Im a noob to this myself, but I was told by a friend who has over 1000 quail and a thriving business, that you have to give them the light as was explained above and also feed them a laying feed, which includes lysin(sp?)

 

[deserthotwings]

The artificial light thing will keep them laying but it will also shorten their life span considerably. Kind of like you if you worked for 22 hours a day and only slept for 2. Your birds should be fed feed that contains at least 20% protein. With what your now feeding them they will probably never lay, with or without light. And if they do your fertility will be way low. Try feeding Purina Game Bird Chow or Meat Bird. They are high in protein and most feed stores carry one or both and if they don't they can order it for you. Good Luck with your birds.

 

[shotgunrem14]

did your birds ever start laying Kinsley?

 

[React11]

Light is the main factor.. Give them light and food that contains minimum 3% calcium.. If you do so i blv that your birds will start laying eggs...