What type of quail should I get?

[Mantismaster13]

I'm looking to get quail for their eggs. I want a relatively quiet breed. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Coturnix! They are great layers, at least mine were, and come in all sorts of pretty colors too! And they’re not too loud.

 

[Nabiki]

Coturnix are your best layers. Other species of quail are seasonal layers except for button quail, and their eggs are just way too tiny to eat easily.

If you just want eggs, don't go for jumbo coturnix. Standards lay more.

 

[Mantismaster13]

Coturnix! They are great layers, at least mine were, and come in all sorts of pretty colors too! And they’re not too loud.

Thanks, I will get some soon.

 

[Mantismaster13]

Coturnix are your best layers. Other species of quail are seasonal layers except for button quail, and their eggs are just way too tiny to eat easily.

If you just want eggs, don't go for jumbo coturnix. Standards lay more.

Thanks, I know a restaurant that I'm going to supply the eggs to, so I will get some soon.

 

[Nabiki]

Thanks, I know a restaurant that I'm going to supply the eggs to, so I will get some soon.

I would start reading the articles in the learning center since it sounds like you're a beginner to quail.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/quail.32/

 

[Mantismaster13]

I would start reading the articles in the learning center since it sounds like you're a beginner to quail.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/quail.32/

Thanks, I am a total beginner to quail. I have chickens and other birds, but never had quail.

 

[Nabiki]

Thanks, I am a total beginner to quail. I have chickens and other birds, but never had quail.

You will find that quail are quite different from chickens. They have different nutritional needs, different housing needs, and need much more secure homes.

 

[Mantismaster13]

You will find that quail are quite different from chickens. They have different nutritional needs, different housing needs, and need much more secure homes.

I have a pet superstore near me that sells quail food. I have quite a big garden, so I have room for about 10 ( I'm going to give them more space than they suggest). Also I'm putting mesh all around the run, so that they can't get out, and nothing can get in. Is there any tips you suggest?

 

[Nabiki]

I have a pet superstore near me that sells quail food. I have quite a big garden, so I have room for about 10 ( I'm going to give them more space than they suggest). Also I'm putting mesh all around the run, so that they can't get out, and nothing can get in. Is there any tips you suggest?

You want 1/2" hardware cloth to protect your quail. Raccoons, for example, will reach through anything larger and pull your quail out piece by piece. Rats and mice can also get in through anything smaller, and yes, they, too, will eat your quail. The mice are more likely to eat their eggs, but if one is injured or not feeling well, they won't pass it up.

Make sure to check the nutrition information on the quail feed. I have seen feeds that are supposed to be for quail with as low as 7% protein and completely inadequate for their needs.