Breeds of quail for colonies

[Hughzd]

I would like to get in to breeding quail, and possibly make some money (although I am aware that will be difficult backyard breeding on a small scale.) I was wondering what breeds of quail I could keep in a large group in an aviary to breed. Is this possible with anything besides coturnix? I would prefer to have a different breed that I could preferably have a chance at making money with, but if that’s not possible then oh well. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nabiki]

What is your goal other than money? Eggs? Meat? Selling birds?

Other types of quail usually require a permit, so you'll want to check with your local ag department.

Coturnix quail will rarely hatch their own eggs. Other types of quail are more likely, but in either case, an aviary setting will give you your best chance.

Coturnix will give you the most eggs. Exotic types will sell for higher prices than coturnix, but it may be hard to find a market. They are also may be harder to keep and raise.

 

[Whiskybear]

Bobwhites have a market in the hunting community. Really hard to make it worth it on a small scale though.

 

[Hughzd]

What is your goal other than money? Eggs? Meat? Selling birds?

Other types of quail usually require a permit, so you'll want to check with your local ag department.

Coturnix quail will rarely hatch their own eggs. Other types of quail are more likely, but in either case, an aviary setting will give you your best chance.

Coturnix will give you the most eggs. Exotic types will sell for higher prices than coturnix, but it may be hard to find a market. They are also may be harder to keep and raise.

I kinda just want birds cause I like them. Eggs would be nice, but by no means a dealbreaker as I already have chickens for that. I am not personally a fan of butchering and processing birds, so I would avoid that although I am okay with selling live meat birds. Other than that, I just want whatever bird will be most likely to pay for its self. Thanks!

 

[Nabiki]

I kinda just want birds cause I like them. Eggs would be nice, but by no means a dealbreaker as I already have chickens for that. I am not personally a fan of butchering and processing birds, so I would avoid that although I am okay with selling live meat birds. Other than that, I just want whatever bird will be most likely to pay for its self. Thanks!

You might do some research on what the demand is in your area. Here are a few questions you might think about.

Do you have an active 4H group? They might be interested in the more exotic and expensive birds to show (that means that you need to raise show quality birds).
Do you live in an affluent area with people that have room for aviaries?
Are there hunters who would be interested in buying birds to train their dogs?

All in all, I would think that there wouldn't be much money in it for a small scale breeder. I raise coturnix quail and I do make a bit of money selling eggs and birds, but it's not much more than them paying for themselves.