Quail nest

[Bradleyka]

I just have a question about some wild quail. On Saturday, I was doing yard work and as I walked to a corner of my yard, I startled a male and I just kept working and as I worked a little more I noticed a very well female that scattered off. Anyways, it was at that point I realized there was likely a nest in the area. However, I can look over the fence and see where the nest is, but they have not been back. I went out there today and looked in the area, (Didn't touch or disturb anything) and did see a nest with what looked like 4 eggs. Is the female still in the process of laying and just hasn't started incubating? Or did they possibly bail due to being noticed? We have an incubator and although it would be fun and educational, I would rather the mom come back and finish the job and do the rearing herself. Are they likely coming back only to lay so I am likely just missing them?
Brad

 

[Quailobsessed]

Welcome to BYC!!!

If there is only four eggs, she's probably still laying her clutch. Quails have large clutches. Do you know what species of quail they are?

 

[Bradleyka]

I think they are Gambels quail. We live in Utah.

 

[Bradleyka]

Are quail monogamous for life? Also, last year, we saw some quail with babies last year in our yard. We never saw the nest, but this spot is in an area that would be easily missed. Do they typically nest in the same area?

 

[Quailobsessed]

If they're Gambels, she should lay about 10-12 eggs. If she incubates them, they should take about 21-24 days to hatch. Also, yes, they mate for life. I don't know whether they return to the same nest though.

 

[Bradleyka]

I haven’t seen them back and it doesn’t look like any more eggs are in the best. (Just the 4). Could I have spooked her by noticing the nest? It’s been 3-5 days. I am not sure the last time she layed an egg.

 

[Bradleyka]

I haven’t seen them back and it doesn’t look like any more eggs are in the best. (Just the 4). Could I have spooked her by noticing the nest? It’s been 3-5 days. I am not sure the last time she layed an egg.

 

[Quailobsessed]

I haven’t seen them back and it doesn’t look like any more eggs are in the best. (Just the 4). Could I have spooked her by noticing the nest? It’s been 3-5 days. I am not sure the last time she layed an egg.

She might not come back.

 

[Redhotaz]

My 5yo son found and brought in 12 quail eggs tonight from our backyard. (dropped a few. Didn't break altho at least one slightly dented/cracked). I made him put them back (except the dented one). Do you think they have a chance or will they not, since the nest has obviously been disturbed??

 

[Quailobsessed]

My 5yo son found and brought in 12 quail eggs tonight from our backyard. (dropped a few. Didn't break altho at least one slightly dented/cracked). I made him put them back (except the dented one). Do you think they have a chance or will they not, since the nest has obviously been disturbed??

Do you have a broody quail? If the nest was disturbed, they most likely won't be incubated.