Quail are not greedy, they will only eat as much as they need so you don't worry about over-feeding.
Quantities
Despite their size quail do eat a fair amount and the larger breeds such as Italians, Coturnix and Japanese (all from the family cortunix ) will be able to cope with layers pellets and mixed corn. However, you may want to mash the pellets into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat. In winter you can add a sprinkle of chick crumb to give them a protein boost.
Offering a little extra on the side
Naturally you will want to offer your guests a little variation. Whilst the main course should be kept constant to ensure that the hens are ingesting a balanced diet it is good to vary the meal with extras. Things that quail eat include pasta, cake, rice, sweetcorn and lettuce. Basically, if they don't like it they won't eat it so you will quickly learn their dislikes and likes. It is not a good idea to give them anything salty like crisps and you must make sure never to give them any meat.
You should not feed cuttings from the garden.
Drink
Water must be kept clean you should check it regularly in winter to ensure it doesn't become frozen. You can add supplements such as Apple Cider Vinegar to help boost feather condition and help to aid in riding the birds of worms and other parasites. (1/4 tsp per drinker will aid digestion and help them keep their feathers in good condition.)
Quail will quite readily learn to drink from rabbit drinkers, they are very curious and will soon learn to peck for water, whilst they are learning this it is advisable to add a small dish of water just in case. Make sure you check that the water is not frozen each morning during the winter months.
Where can I buy feed?
You can order feed from our online shop. Or to be environmentally friendly and to save the postage you can find chicken feed locally. We supply Organic Feed produced by the Organic Food company, you can contact them to find a local feed distributor on their website.
FAQs
Things that quail eat include pasta, cake, rice, sweetcorn and lettuce. Basically, if they don't like it they won't eat it so you will quickly learn their dislikes and likes. It is not a good idea to give them anything salty like crisps and you must make sure never to give them any meat.
What is the best thing to feed quail? ›
A few different groups are high on their list of good eating. These include Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (sawflies, wasps, bees, and ants), Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets), Hemiptera (“true bugs”), Blattodea (roaches), and Arachnida (spiders, and scorpions) are all on the menu.
How many times a day should I feed quails? ›
Every morning should be sufficient for your quail, but if you find that they eat the feed too fast, you should provide more feed for them or feed them twice a day. Quails do not overeat like fish, so keeping their food bowl filled up is fine. How many times do I need to feed my quails when they are laying eggs now?
What do you feed quail in Australia? ›
A good quality finch or small parrot mix provides just about everything that quail need but they do also enjoy insects, some vegetables, seeding grass and pre-mix soft foods.
Is apple cider vinegar good for quails? ›
Quail benefit from ACV similar to chickens. ACV reduces harmful bacteria in their gut and give quail an immunity boost. I was at first very skeptical that ACV was benefiting my quail. I lost one on the very first day, followed by two more the following week.
What do quail like to eat the most? ›
What Quail Eat
- Food According to Coturnix Quail.
- Celery.
- Commercial Feed – Game Bird Starter.
- Earthworms.
- Quail Eggs!
- Duckweed.
Because quail grow so quickly, they benefit from high protein feed initially. You can use regular chicken layer feed, but we recommend a higher protein. Layer feed is 16-18% protein. We use a turkey starter feed with 28% protein.
What not to feed quail? ›
Also Quail cannot eat the following: Stems and leaves of tomato plants. Uncooked potato. Uncooked egg.
How many eggs can 1 quail lay in a day? ›
On average a quail will lay about one egg per day at peak production. Egg production will begin to slow down around the age of 2-3 years. Quail require about 14 hours of daylight in order to lay eggs. Their egg production can be extended by providing a light source during times of the year with shorter daylight hours.
Are quails high maintenance? ›
They're friendly, inexpensive, gentle and even lay edible eggs that are considered a delicacy in many countries. Before you bring a pair home, your quail will require a calm housing environment, protein-rich food, company and fresh water daily.
Small twigs, grass stems, leaves and feathers line the nest. Average life expectancy for a wild quail is 1.5 years although on occasion they may live for up to four years. Mature birds average eleven inches long and weigh from 5.1 to 6.5 ounces (160 to 200 grams.)
How to take care of quail for beginners? ›
Quail Health Problems
- Do not add adult quail to your flock—only young chicks or eggs.
- Work with younger quail first, then older. ...
- Clean waterers each day and feeders at least once per week.
- Do not crowd birds in pens, and be sure they always have feed and water.
- Do not feed moldy feed.
The rule of thumb is to have about 1 square foot of space per bird. This is how they are happiest. In fact, many urban areas that do not allow chickens, will allow you to keep quail!
Why is my quail fluffed up? ›
Fluffed up feathers indicate that your quail is cold, and is conserving heat and energy due to illness. Ragged feathers are another symptom, as your quail may not have enough energy to preen themselves. Quail fluff up feathers naturally when they are asleep.
How to prevent disease in quail? ›
The use of cages is recommended in quail breeding. Sick and dead birds should be removed immediately. Total cleanup between flocks, pest control in and around the premises, and periodic treatment of watering systems with innocuous chemicals that dissolve mineral and or biofilm build-up are good preventive measures.
Can quail eat uncooked rice? ›
Fact is, rice cooked or uncooked won't hurt wild birds at all. The rumor is that uncooked rice hits the bird's tummy and then swells causing its stomach to explode. It's simply not true. It's not hot enough in a bird's stomach to actually “cook” the rice.
What foods attract quail? ›
All three species of quail prefer seeds in the pea family: lotus, lupine and clover. Filaree and chickweed are other good forb options. Oak trees are a good option because they can provide perches for birds and California quail will eat the oak galls.
Can quail eat all flock feed? ›
From the herbs, to prebiotics+probiotics, to higher lysine and methionine than other chicken feeds, this is a good chicken and all flock feed! From our Brahmas to Seramas, and everything in between, from ducks to quail and all in between. All adults have had this feed and love it!
Is chicken feed ok for quail? ›
If you're scratching your head, thinking about What To Feed Quail For Laying Eggs, remember that calcium and protein are key. Chicken feed might do in a pinch, but for those golden yolks and strong shells, quail-specific feed is the way to go.
Do quail like coffee grounds? ›
You can also add coffee grounds, which quail love! I don't know why they love it, but they do. I think it's best to use spent grounds that have dried out some from your morning brew.
