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Juvenile quail can be a fun and beautiful addition to your aviary. Like other types of animals, exotic quail have specific needs that need to be met in order to survive and thrive.
General Information
Please remember, this guide is a general overview of exotic quail. Do your research for any specific breeds that you are considering. Things to consider are climate, food, nesting, and housing. Also, check with your local Fish and Game Department for any permit or license that may be required to own exotic quail in your area.
Terminology
- Juvenile Age: 6-8 months, but up to 12 months
- Breeder Age: 1+ year
- Covey: A group of quail
- Hen: Female
- Cock: Male
- Chick/Cheeper: Young (baby) quail
- Clutch: Nest of eggs
- Aviary: Specially designed flight pen that allows your pheasants to live as naturally as possible while still keeping them safe from predation.
Housing
Exotic quail should be kept in a proper aviary setting. They are active birds who will not stay put if not contained. Provide good cover for your birds. Setting up your flight pen in an area or creating an environment with natural grass, small bushes or shrubs, small trees, and weedy vegetation is necessary. Covering a portion of the pen with roofing material to create a protected area from the weather is recommended as it gives your birds a safe place to retreat to during inclement weather. Your pen should be covered with nylon netting and/or wire.
We recommend covering the sides of your pen with 1" galvanized woven wire. Bury your fencing 10-20" into the ground to help prevent predators from digging under it and endangering your pheasants.
Build a sand base on top of your soil in your aviary, 4” is a suggested depth. Quail enjoy dust bathing to keep themselves clean. Sand is easy to clean and disinfect. Sand can also be raked to help keep the aviary clean and it drains well. Make sure to put a border in your aviary to keep the sand in place. You can use sand sterilized for a children’s sandbox, or alternatively, you can use builder’s sand mixed with a small amount of agricultural lime to prevent bacteria and absorb odors.
Diet
Clean fresh water should be available at all times. A well-formulated gamebird-specific feed should also be provided free choice at all times. In addition to game bird feed, quail also enjoy large seeds, plant matter, grasses, berries, insects, cracked corn, leaves, acorns, flowers, and bulbs.
Climate
The Juvenile Quail offered by Meyer Hatchery prefer dry and warm climates. They will not do well in wet or cold climates. If you live in an area outside of their preferred zone, accommodations must be made for their health and happiness.
Breeding Habits
Breeding season for exotic quail varies by breed between April and September after they reach one year of age. Some varieties such as the Gambel's and Blue Scale will become aggressive towards other pairs during mating season. A clutch can contain 10-14 eggs and the incubation period ranges from 22-23 days. Quail are known for their unique bird songs but have a distinct seasonal mating call. Hens will make shallow nests on the ground at the base of a tree or rock.
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