Keeping Quail

Tiny, quiet and quick to lay, Coturnix quail are perfect where space or rules rule out chickens.

Why quail

• Start laying at just 6-8 weeks, and lay prolifically.
• Quiet and compact, often allowed where chickens aren't.
• Meat and eggs from a very small footprint.

What they need

• About 1 sq ft per bird in a predator-proof, low cage or aviary (Coturnix don't need to roost high).
• A high-protein game-bird feed (24-28%).
• Shade and ventilation in heat; they're sensitive to extremes.
• Sand or soil for dust-bathing.