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
