How to Raise Button Quail

Button quail are a smaller, more exotic version of quail and as a result they need some special care that larger, and hardier versions don't require.

Things You'll Need

• A large cage, taller than it is wide
• Water bottle
• Feed dish / dishes
• Protein / vitamins

Instructions

How to Raise Button Quail

1. Take the time to build a large cage before you ever buy your button quail as they will require such lodgings. A simple wooden frame, about three feet tall and two feet square stretched over with small gauge chicken wire should do the trick. The cage needs to be tall because button quail tend to 'pop', or jump straight up in the air and a tall cage keeps them from head injury.

2. Build a wind screen for your buttons as they need some shelter from inclement weather. Even if your button quail are kept indoors all the time they will still require some protection from the cold. one simple method is to simply nail a thick plastic shield in place over the area most likely to be in a draft.

3. Feed your button quail cracked corn, a special favorite of theirs, and duck or chicken starter, which is finely chopped feed that is easy for little beaks to pick apart.

4. Pick grass and dandelion leaves as a special treat for your button quail. They will eat these items but they will also use the grass to form a small nest to lay their eggs in.

5. Feed your buttons finely chopped dry cat food as a protein snack or boil some eggs for them to eat. Protein is necessary to keep them from picking feathers from each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the cage out frequently as button quail easily get their own manure built up on their toes. This is difficult to remove and can cause injury and infection.

• Remove any sick birds from the cage and keep them apart from the rest of the birds in the cage as infection can spread very rapidly in enclosed spaces such as cages.

Resources

• www.northnet.org/terowepersians/quailpg.html