Should I get quail?

[sawyerdog110]

Hello everyone! I've been wanting chickens for a long while, but I don't have a huge backyard. Not to mention I have neighbors close by. I would be heartbroken if I got noise complaints from chickens. So, I researched about other poultry, and came across quail. They fit the bill perfectly. My question is, are quail affectionate? If I were to raise a few quail chicks would they grow to like me, or would the be skittish and independent? I would own quails just for the company (the eggs are a nice addition as well) so it's sorta important that they are somewhat affectionate.

 

[jvin4974]

I think it depends on the type of quail. I hear California valley (the ones you probably see running on the street) are very skiddish and eventually run away if you let them out. I like the coturnix quail (or Japanese quail) they are affectionate and are not loud and can be kept in a very small area. And they lay lots of little eggs.

 

[lomine]

I wouldn't call my coturnix affectionate but they aren't skiddish. They don't mind being held but I don't do that often. They will eat from my hand and they have no problem running around my hands as I feed, change water, clean the cage, or collect eggs. I did start hand feeding them very early so they got used to my hand. I also used a brooder that opened form the side. That helps them not be so afraid of you, since you don't look like a predator coming at them from above.

You will need to be mindful of your male to female ratio. You'll want 4-7 females to each male. If you don't want to hatch eggs, I suggest you get only females. Males can fight and harm each other. And they will get into crowing matches with each other.

 

[UniqueQuail]

I agree with lomine. They aren't affectionate. I'd recommend a cockatiel for that. My cockatiel is affectionate. Jap quails can be tamed fairly easily by hand feeding etc. I love keeping them and the eggs are great. Also very fun to breed. Negative side is that they are smelly (I wouldn't keep them in the house although some do).