Raising Eastern Bobwhite Quail

Quail eggs can be cooked to eat; three quail eggs equal one chicken egg.

Eastern bobwhite quail is a game bird that is only found in areas east of the Mississippi River. It is a popular choice for those who want to breed and raise domesticated birds. Bobwhite quail are raised for the eggs that they lay, in upscale markets as a bird to eat, and sometimes for hunting programs. Whatever your reason for raising quail, you will find they are an inexpensive and low-maintenance bird to look after.

Things You'll Need

• Bobwhite chicks
• Bird housing
• Bird feed
• Bird waterer
• Bleach
• Grower mix

Instructions

1. Call your local animal welfare agency and inquire about a permit. If the area you live in has historically been home to domesticated quail, a permit is probably not necessary. For areas where they are still considered wild, you will need to apply for and receive a permit from your local government.

2. Keep your birds in housing that is big enough for the number of birds you want to raise. A bobwhite quail typically requires at least 2 square feet of living space per bird. The living area also needs to be raised off the ground to reduce the chance of parasites and infections.

3. Protect your quail from predatory animals by ensuring their housing has wire over the bottom parts. Typically, this will come with any quail housing you order; if not, you will have to add your own wire fencing.

4. Choose your birds from a breeder or dealer who has a good reputation. They can be purchased locally or online and shipped to you. If you opt to purchase eggs instead of live chicks, expect about half of your eggs to hatch successfully.

5. Feed your birds. Young chicks will need a mixture of starter and grower feed for at least the first four weeks of life. After that, you can switch to a game bird mix. All of these products can be purchased at your local feed store.

6. Pour plenty of water several times a day for your birds. A bird waterer allows you to keep water containers off the ground. Once a week, remove all containers and give them all a thorough cleaning with 1/4 cup of bleach and 2 gallons of water.

7. Separate the best nine or 10 females and three males into separate housing at about 6 weeks of age. These are the birds that you will breed. Maintain this ratio of three females to one male for the best fertility chances.

8. Give your quail as much sunlight as possible, up to 16 hours a day all year long. This will create chicks that have high egg production.

References

• Stromberg's: The Care of Baby Chicks, Ducks, and Geese