In this podcast episode, I discuss what you need to know to get started raising Jumbo Brown Coturnix Quail on your homestead. I talk about the basic facts about these quail, general care and equipment needed as well as some the benefits from this wonderful livestock.
Listen To The Podcast
In this podcast episode, I discuss what you need to know to get started raising Jumbo Brown Coturnix Quail on your homestead. I talk about the basic facts about these quail, general care and equipment needed as well as some the benefits from this wonderful livestock.
Homestead Updates:
- Pruning Fruit Trees.
- Had to run a new wire to the greenhouse.
- Check for birds you want at Rural King and Tractor Supply
Homesteading Relevant News:
- Chicago Tribune – At ‘growing’ libraries, patrons collect seeds to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-lake-county-seed-exchanges-st-0227-20180226-story.html
Hangin’ Out on the Homestead Front Porch:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HomesteadFrontPorch/
Main Topic Of Discussion:
Raising Coturnix Quail On The Homestead
Some Great Things About Raising Coturnix Quail:
- Low Maintenance
- Take Up Very Little Space
- Fairly Quiet
- Great-Tasting Meat and Eggs
- Very Easy To Process
- Less Attachment Issues
A Couple Drawbacks
- Very Messy, Wasteful Bird
- Eggs Are Hard To Work With
Facts: Egg Incubation: 17 days Reach Full Size: 6 -7 weeks (10-12 oz) Start Laying: 7 -8 weeks
Incubating: Temperature: 99° – 100° Humidity: 50 – 60%
Brooding Keep quail in the brooder until fully feathered. Decrease brooder temperature by 5 degrees weekly to help them adjust.
Feed manna-pro-gamebird-showbird-feed-5-lb or equivalent until 6 weeks before switching to a cheaper, slightly lower protein feed.
Quail Housing
Aviary: An aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds. Unlike cages, aviaries allow birds a larger living space where they can fly; hence, aviaries are also sometimes known as flight cages. Aviaries often contain plants and shrubbery
Cages:
Quail are very content with being raised in cages and only needs about 1 square foot per bird. A 24″ to 30″ cage normally used for rabbits can easily house 4-5 quail.
Other Equipment Needed:
Feeders – Round http://amzn.to/2iW7BNH Long http://amzn.to/2kcICL4
Waterer – Quail Water Base http://amzn.to/2iMxDrb Automatic Drinking Cups http://amzn.to/2j6a9vU
Small Pan For Dust Baths – These can be any inexpensive pans probably under $1
Quail Eggs 3-4 quail eggs to equal average size chicken egg. If given supplemental light Coturnix Quail can lay 200 – 300 eggs per year.
Article on health benefits of Quail Eggs – https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/quail-eggs.html
Quail Egg Cutter http://amzn.to/2iWaRs7
Processing Quail A link to a video of someone dispatching and processing a quail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNLvT0L7dk8
If you are considering another or maybe the first small livestock for your homestead I believe Coturnix Quail will make fantastic meat and egg source worth thinking about.
Today’s Recommendations:
Jack Spirko’s Quail Aviary Build on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpHUZsnFSzdKOW2XfPTycLOKX9rLF7C4L
