Japanese (Coturnix) Quail

[grassroots]

I also would like to get some unrelated Japanese Quail.
If anyone knows of some around the Rockhampton area, if not be willing to ship to Rocky.

Thanks Gwen

[sallu00]

Hi Moby,

I have some people buying from me here and there. I don't breed to sell usually, but to eat. I have some 7 weeks old, should start laying in a couple of weeks or so, but they are slow in winters. I am in Minchinbury (not far from the Blue Mountains).

Salman 0425-250-660

[SustainSyd]

I am the new proud owner of 10 Jap Quail chicks 18days old (purchased for egg laying). I have read these threads with enthusiasm and have some questions.

I would like to feed them without the antibiotics in turkey starter so I have ordered some soyabean meal to add to a layer mix. This will take a few days to come in. Meanwhile I am feeding them some layer pellets 16% protein which I blend so they can eat. Is there a way that I can boost the protein? Can I add cooked crumbled chickpeas or beans?

I have given them a small amount of alfalfa sprouts and they have had a nibble, is this ok.
I have them inside the house (laundry) in a cage with shredded paper on top of newspaper. Should I put them on the wire yet? They tend to waste a bit of food so I have the mix in a lid with a rock in the mddle so they cannot scrach too much.

I was planning on getting another cage when they grew a bit and stacking them on top of each other.

They scratch themselves a bit, is this part of normal grooming or could they have lice.

I am not using a brooding light. I have put foil around the outside of the cage (halfway up) to stop the mess and draughts. Do they need supplemental heating in Sydney at night?

One more question, sometime they lay down on their side with their legs out behind them and this worries me as they look a bit like they are dying. Are they just resting when they do this?

Thanks for your patience, if I can get this right I am hoping to turn others over to home quail egg production as well.

Cheers Atlanta

[Robin]

I am no expert, but could I suggest you try giving them some finely crumbled hard-boiled egg to increase their protein.

I find that the first 28 days are the most difficult. Until that point, they are very susceptible to getting wet and/or cold. They can drown in a thimble of water - or so it seems. They seem to love being quite warm - at least until they are fairly large and well feathered.

My latest lot of chicks (now 4 weeks old) are doing very well on Turkey Starter and millet. They are definitely healthier and faster growing than my previous batches. One is huge - almost adult size.

My quail - chicks and adults - often lay with their legs stretched out behind. It is scary because you naturally think there is something wrong. However, if you touch them and they get up, you know they are ok.

Enjoy your quail - they are great fun!

[Robin]

What is the best age to eat quail?

If you have older ones, what are good methods of cooking? I was thinking slow roast with a nice tarragon sauce.

That is - if I can bring myself to do the deed.

[GaryD]

Hi,

I am not using a brooding light. I have put foil around the outside of the cage (halfway up) to stop the mess and draughts. Do they need supplemental heating in Sydney at night?

YES.......all day old chicks require supplementary heating during their first 3 - 4 weeks......otherwise they will chill and die. Those that do not die will fail to thrive. Put lights on them immediately.

Sorry 'bout the red alert, but I wanted to catch your attention ASAP!

Gary

[SustainSyd]

Thannks for the info. What sort of a light would be good.I will get one today.
I left the heater on last night.

cheers
Atlanta

[grassroots]

A 60watt light will do (it may cause cannibalism when they are older?). If you can stretch the budget the ultimate is a ceramic heat lamp that gives off no light. You also can get red or blue lights(it disguises the blood if they start pecking each other). I have not done this yet but is is said that you can lower the wattage over the six weeks(to save power).

Gwen

[SustainSyd]

Thanks everyone. I have given them some blendedup bolied egg and shell which they like. The quail house now has a mini oil heater sitting behind it which gives a nice warm glow. Hopefully the heater can be used again in a bedroom. They get daylight through the window.

Today I took the newspaper out and put shredded paper onto the wire. Before they got onto the shred they were very awkward. I have to go to work today but I am keen to see how they go during the day. I have taken some of the marbles out of the drink and food containers to give them some more depth. Theya re 20 days today.

Did anyone know about feeding them alfalfa.

Thanks
Atlanta

[GaryD]

Hi,

The best way to brood chicks is to use an infrared heater globe. They are available in a range of wattages and they emit no light......just heat.

If you want to minimise the operating cost of the brooder lamp, consider installing a simple brass wafer/microswitch thermostat.......like the one on this page.

Install a low wattage light somewhere near the brooder so that the chicks can see the feeders and waterers......a red or blue LED is ideal. They cost next to nothing to run.

It's important not to have too much light because it will encourage picking and eventually cannibalism. In quail, it will also result in premature egg production and sexual maturity in the males. You'll have a bunch of runts running around breeding rather than getting the meaty birds that you want.

The best way to determine what temperature setting to use is to let the chicks tell you. If they are sitting in a ring around the brooder, it is too hot.....so raise it a little. If they are all huddled under it, it is not warm enough.....so lower it a bit. If they are sitting loosely under the brooder and periodically getting up to go and get a drink or to feed, it's just right.

Gary