Quail X Chicken cross

[J.L. Frusha]

Since micro-livestock is pretty-much an 'anything-goes' category, thought we could discuss some options, as well. I have known of this cross for some time. If it weren't for the collection and AI, it would prove interesting, to say the least.

Below is the link and the important part of the news bulletin...

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/17266/project-to-breed-chickenquail-cross

Monday, March 02, 2009
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Project to Breed Chicken-Quail Cross
MALAYSIA - Department of Veterinary Services has initiated a project to produce a new type of poultry, which is a cross between a cockerel and a hen quail.

According to a statement from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), the new bird is intermediate in size, between a chicken and a quail, which is convenient because it is about right for an individual helping, reports Business Times of Malaysia.

Department of Veterinary Services Kuala Lumpur is creating a strain that produces eggs of good quality and meat with the flavour of both parents.

[MarkEinOz]

G'day Jeff,

Although you posted this a little while ago, I thought I best respond to this as myself being a dodgy backyard geneticist. Like most domesticated bird proposals, any crossing with another species will more than likely result in mules or infertile young if some have managed to hatch.
A great idea, but to be honest, if it was remotely possible, then if the Ingham's or other of poultry roayalty haven't figured out a way to make a few extra bucks of us suckers then you can pretty much regard this as BS. Anyone fancy a good Gheep story..... ;-)

[J.L. Frusha]

At some point I read about this as a production method for the 'mules,' as well as early attempts to produce it as a breed.

Yes, they are, generally infertile, the point is the size and flavor. Artificial Insemination is the labor intensive part, but they have been produced commercially, in the Orient.

The attempt to produce fertile crosses goes back to the 1950's, I believe. However, that's not to say it cannot become a breed, either. There are other poultry crosses, as well. Pick any of the basic lines of fowl and someone has crossed them, at least once. Personally, I'd choose the more 'primitive' breeds, such as Jungle Fowl, as a starting point. Stuff of similar origins, such as the Japanese quails and Japanese chicken breeds would be genetically closer than European crosses with Japanese.

Is it worth having a larger, better tasting bird? That's the question at hand. Breeders often use AI to produce other crosses and have used natural methods, when it comes to chicken crosses or Pheasant crosses, for instance.

Similar methods have produced the various, recognized breeds of any branch of livestock, as well as plants. Selective breeding is standard practice, these days.