Why quail?

[Badhbh]

Why do people hatch out the teeny little button quail? I see posts all the time, but they're so tiny, what do you do with them?

 

[Alexis]

Well, I would like to know too!

My daughters think they are adorable. Maybe that's all there is to it - they're cute.
People love cute things.
I love cute things.
Oh great, now I want Button Quail.

 

[deerman]

Some breeders of house finches,dove,and parakeets keep them in the flight pen,to clean up seed. Plus they like them. You will find some in pet stores.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quail are almost like chickens. Until you have one you simply can't understand.

They are cute and comical.

They lay eggs and are a delicacy if you want to eat them.

We have almost 40 of them in a 4x3'cage. It's our first time with quail and
we are thoroughly enjoying them.

 

[Badhbh]

Alexis, you sound like me Cute! Want!
I was just curious if there was a reason besides cute and funny

I'll accept cute and funny as an answer though. I was thinking of keeping a few fancy pigeons, so that would be reason enough to keep a few around..

 

[Alexis]

It's official. They are cute, I must now have some. They are funny? That's just an extra bonus! Bring on the Buttons!!

But wait, can you free range button quail?? Seems they might make pretty quick cat treats, so I'll have to rethink this strategy.

 

[tntstanifer]

If you want to keep quail, do you have to keep them in a cage? Or could I let them free range with my chickens?

 

[tomstephens]

I'm building an aviary for some quail now!
I plan on having a few for fun, Gambel and Button. Then Coturnix and Bobwhites for eggs and eating.

My wife won't let me eat Gambel Quail, she says I'm not allowed to eat animals that are THAT cute.

I don't think you can free range them --- they do fly. I'm not positive about the ability to clip their wings. This is all new and experimental to me.

 

[deerman]

no you cant free range, quail will return to the wild. Pheasants the same. Ohio gamebirds if running loose become the states birds. even if want them,have to wait until hunting season.

 

[monarc23]

I would not free range button quail (nor any other quail for that matter---unless you dont mind seeing them disapear and not want to be near you).

Button quail are for the most part avoiding of people they dont really want to be messed with etc. Even my imprinted button quail chick, whos' now a month old wants nothing to do with me.

I clip all my quails wings....even with their wings being clipped they can still shoot straight up into the air...my hen shot up 4 ft in the air out of her hutch and took off on the ground aiming towards hiding in the high brush where i'd never find her again. Thankfully she made a wrong turn and tried to hide under neat my barn, but got stuck and i was able to catch her.

Even docile-er coturnix quail really just want left alone...but will be curious and come to you for food/water. I wouldnt trust them to stick around very well or stay alive outside...esp if you're in a climate that gets cold.