Raising Quail: How to Start Raising Quail in Your Backyard

Why Raise Quail?

If you're looking to get started with poultry farming, raising quail is a practical and rewarding choice. Coturnix Japonica, commonly known as Coturnix or Japanese quail, is perfect for small spaces and beginners. They are inexpensive, easy to raise, and known for their rapid growth and prolific egg-laying. Many beginners ask, “Are quail easy to raise?” — and the answer is yes!

These birds thrive in diverse climates and are quieter than chickens, making them ideal for both urban and rural environments. Quail offer a low-maintenance way to produce protein-rich eggs and meat, even for those with no prior farming experience.

Before you begin, decide whether you are raising quail for eggs, meat, breeding, or as pets. Each goal slightly changes how you'll manage your flock. For example:

•  Egg production requires consistent lighting and calcium-rich feed.
  
•  Meat production benefits from rapid growth and controlled breeding.
  
•  Pet ownership may involve focusing on personality, appearance, and gentleness.
  

You should also choose whether to start with chicks, adult birds, or hatching eggs. While hatching eggs is the cheapest option, they require an incubator and patience. Chicks need brooding, while adults allow for immediate egg or meat production.

Nutritional Needs for Quail

Quail require a high-protein diet—between 22% and 30%, depending on their age. Because quail-specific feed can be difficult to find, many keepers use game bird feed, high-protein layer crumble, or turkey starter. Watch for feather-picking, which may indicate low protein or overcrowding.

Pro Tip: Boost nutrition during the laying season with crushed boiled eggs, mealworms, or commercial insect protein.

How to Raise Quail in Your Backyard

Coturnix quail are available in various colors, including Pharaoh, White Wing, and Pearl. Most Coturnix quail can be feather-sexed between 3 to 6 weeks. Males typically have solid-colored chests, while females have spotted breasts—making breeding management easier.

Quail are perfect for small-scale backyard setups. With just 1 square foot of space per bird, you can raise quail in compact backyards, balconies, or even spare indoor areas—provided they have good ventilation and lighting. When cages are kept clean, quail produce significantly less odor than chickens.

Are Quail Noisy?

Unlike chickens, quail are much quieter and suitable for residential areas. Males may vocalize, but their call is a soft trill rather than a loud crow.

How Many Eggs Do Quail Lay?

One healthy Coturnix hen can lay up to 300 eggs per year, beginning as early as 6–8 weeks old. Their quick maturity makes them a dependable food source or income stream. Though small, quail eggs are protein-rich and often considered a delicacy in gourmet cuisine.

Tip: Collect eggs twice daily to prevent spoilage, especially in warm or damp conditions.

Advantages of Raising Quail Over Chickens

Raising quail offers many benefits, especially for beginners or those with limited space:

•  Faster maturity: Quail reach egg-laying or meat-harvesting age by 6–8 weeks.
  
•  Space efficiency: Quail require much less space than chickens.
  
•  Quiet birds: Roosters don’t crow loudly, making them neighbor-friendly.
  
•  High egg yield: Although smaller, five quail eggs equal one chicken egg.
  
•  Low startup cost: Great option for beginners or hobby farmers.
  
  

Raising quail for meat is also highly efficient. Their small size allows fast growth and easy processing. Many keepers breed them in cycles to produce several generations each season.

Fun Fact: Quail eggs are common in sushi, pickled recipes, and are often recommended for people with egg allergies due to their unique protein profile.

Best Quail Housing and Cage Setups

Whether you raise quail indoors or outdoors, their housing should offer:

•  Protection from predators and harsh weather
  
•  Adequate ventilation and shade
  
•  Easy access to clean water and feed
  
•  A hygienic, easy-to-maintain environment
  
  

Indoor Quail Housing

Use stackable cages or rabbit hutches lined with pine shavings or paper liners. Maintain 14–16 hours of artificial lighting daily to encourage egg laying.

Outdoor Quail Pens

Build secure pens with wire mesh floors and predator-proof framing. Ensure shaded areas to avoid overheating and provide shelter from wind and rain.

Hatching Time’s vertical quail cages are excellent for conserving space while keeping quail safe and comfortable. The sloped floors make cleaning and egg collection easy and reduce the risk of foot injuries or broken eggs.

Enrichment and Safety for Quail

•  Dust baths: Provide fine sand or dry soil for natural preening behavior.
  
•  Hiding spots: Add tunnels or shelters to reduce stress and aggression.
  
•  Free-ranging: Avoid it—quail can fly away and are vulnerable to predators like hawks and raccoons.
  
  

Tip: Clean housing regularly, use pull-out trays, and disinfect feeders and waterers weekly to prevent disease.

Raising Quail Chicks Using Hatching Time Brooders

To raise healthy quail, start with a secure, warm, and clean brooder environment.

Choosing the Right Brooder

Use a draft-free brooder with solid walls and a non-slip floor. Hatching Time Brooders work well, as they are easy to clean, prevent piling, and offer consistent heating.

Temperature Guide

•  Week 1: 95°F
  
•  Reduce by 5°F weekly
  
•  By Week 4: room temperature if chicks are fully feathered
  
  

Key Brooding Tips

•  Place a thermometer at chick level to prevent overheating
  
•  Use quail-specific waterers to prevent drowning
  
•  Scatter feed on paper towels during the first few days to teach chicks how to eat
  
  

Lighting: Start with gentle white light and avoid colored bulbs, which may cause stress or feather pecking.

Quail Feeding and Watering Guide

Providing the right nutrition is key to healthy quail and high egg production.

Feed by Life Stage

•  Chicks (0–6 weeks): 25–30% protein starter feed
  
•  Adults: 20–22% protein layer feed with added calcium
  
•  Breeders: Balanced diet with trace minerals for fertility
  
  

Supplements for Quail

•  Calcium: Offer crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone
  
•  Grit: Provide small stones if feeding whole grains or greens
  
•  Probiotics: Add to water during stressful periods (heatwaves, transport, etc.)
  
  

Watering

•  Keep clean, fresh water available at all times
  
•  Use nipple drinkers or shallow bowls with marbles for chicks
  
•  Sanitize waterers daily to reduce the risk of illness
  
  

Safe Treats

Feed in moderation: chopped greens, scrambled eggs, and mealworms. Avoid sugary, salty, or processed items.

Cost of Raising Quail: What to Expect

Raising quail is relatively affordable, especially for those starting small. Here’s a basic breakdown:

Estimated Startup Costs

•  Brooder or vertical cage: $100–$300
  
•  Chicks or hatching eggs: $1–$3 each
  
•  Game bird feed: $20–$30 per 50 lb bag
  
•  Waterers and feeders: $15–$40
  
•  Incubator (optional): $100–$200
  
•  Misc. supplies (bedding, grit, vitamins): $20–$50
  
  

Monthly Maintenance Costs

•  Feed: $20–$40, depending on flock size
  
•  Bedding and cleaning supplies: $10–$15
  
•  Electricity for heating/incubation: varies by season and setup
  

You can recover some of these costs by selling eggs, meat, or live birds. Local farmers’ markets, online forums, and poultry co-ops are great places to start

Breeding Quail for Continuous Flock Growth

Breeding your own quail promotes self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on hatcheries. Coturnix quail are excellent breeders and reach sexual maturity as early as 6–8 weeks.

Quail Breeding Setup

•  Ratio: Maintain one male for every 4–6 females to ensure fertility and reduce aggression.
  
•  Egg Collection: Collect eggs daily and store them at 55–65°F for no more than 7 days before incubation.
  
•  Incubation Settings:
  
  •  Temperature: 99.5°F
    
  •  Humidity: 40–50% during days 1–14
    
  •  Lockdown (final 3 days): 60–65% humidity
    
  •  Hatch Time: Approximately 17–18 days
    

Fertility Test Tip: Crack a few eggs and look for a bullseye mark on the yolk — a visual indicator of fertilization.

Avoid Overbreeding: Rotate males regularly to reduce stress on hens and maintain genetic diversity within the flock.

Quail Health and Disease Prevention

Quail are hardy birds, but can become vulnerable if their environment is not properly maintained. Preventive care is the most effective way to protect your flock.

Signs of Illness in Quail

•  Lethargy or unusual behavior
  
•  Diarrhea, pasty vent, or blood in droppings
  
•  Feather loss or bullying
  
•  Labored breathing or nasal discharge
  
  

Common Quail Diseases

•  Coccidiosis: Spread through droppings; preventable with medicated feed or Corid in drinking water
  
•  Ulcerative Enteritis: A bacterial infection requiring veterinary antibiotics
  
•  Quail Bronchitis: A contagious respiratory illness; isolate affected birds immediately
  
  

Disease Prevention Tips

•  Keep cages clean and dry
  
•  Use natural bedding such as pine shavings (avoid cedar)
  
•  Disinfect brooders and equipment between hatches
  
•  Add vitamins and electrolytes to water during stressful periods
  
•  Quarantine sick birds as soon as symptoms appear
  
  

Legal Considerations for Backyard Quail Farming

While quail are often subject to fewer regulations than chickens, it's essential to verify local laws before starting your flock.

Questions to Consider:

•  Are backyard birds allowed in your area?
  
•  Is there a limit to how many birds you can keep?
  
•  Are male quail restricted due to noise?
  
•  Do you need a permit to sell quail eggs or meat?
  
  

Tip: Some cities prohibit livestock but allow game birds, including quail. Contact your local zoning office or agricultural extension for accurate guidance

Quail Record-Keeping Tips for Better Flock Management

Maintaining accurate records can significantly improve your flock's performance and help track profitability over time.

What to Log:

•  Hatch dates and sources
  
•  Egg production per hen
  
•  Feed quantity and costs
  
•  Mortality rates and health events
  
•  Breeding pairs and fertility success
  
•  Income from egg, bird, or meat sales
  
  

Use spreadsheets or digital apps like FlockForge, Livestocked, or PoultryPal to streamline data entry.

Bonus Tip: Record egg colors and patterns to track individual hens and identify superior layers or genetic lines.

Seasonal Quail Care and Climate Adjustments

Your quail's needs will vary throughout the year. Proactive seasonal care helps maintain their health and productivity.

Winter Care for Quail

•  Insulate cages and block drafts
  
•  Maintain 14–16 hours of light to support egg production
  
•  Add extra bedding for warmth
  
•  Use heated water bases to prevent freezing
  
  

Summer Quail Care

•  Provide shaded areas and increase ventilation
  
•  Refill waterers multiple times a day
  
•  Minimize overcrowding to prevent overheating
  
•  Offer cooling treats like chilled cucumber slices
  
  

Rainy Season Tips

•  Elevate cages off the ground to prevent flooding
  
•  Install waterproof roofing or tarps
  
•  Keep bedding dry to avoid mold and bacterial growth
  
  

Final Thoughts on Raising Quail at Home

Whether you're raising quail for eggs, meat, or simply as a hobby, these small birds deliver big benefits in a small footprint. From choosing the right quail cages to understanding seasonal care and breeding techniques, raising quail in your backyard is a manageable and rewarding venture.

Getting Started Checklist

•  Start with 5–10 Coturnix quail
  
•  Use incubators if you plan to hatch eggs
  
•  Provide a high-protein, balanced diet
  
•  Track flock health and production for efficiency
  
  

With proper planning and care, raising a backyard quail flock can become a sustainable and enjoyable part of your homesteading or urban farming journey.