How Do I Raise Quail In My Backyard?

“I have a modest-sized backyard, and I’m really excited about the idea of raising quail for eggs and possibly even meat for my family. My main concerns are space, the type of coop they’ll need, and what kind of environment will keep them happy and healthy. I’ve also heard that they require different care than chickens, which I’m more familiar with. How do I ensure they thrive in just a suburban-sized backyard?” Thanks, Frank, Portland, USA.

How to Raise Quail in Your Backyard: Everything You Need to Know

Raising quail in your backyard can be an incredibly rewarding experience for you, Frank, and it’s a fantastic way to supply your household with fresh eggs and meat. While quail are smaller and may seem more delicate than chickens, they’re surprisingly hardy and adaptable. With the right setup and care, you’ll have a thriving little quail flock right in your backyard.

1. Understanding Quail and Their Benefits

Before diving into the logistics, let’s explore some unique characteristics of quail that make them a great option for backyard farming:

• Size and Space Requirements: Quail are much smaller than chickens, so they require less space. This makes them perfect for small backyards or urban farming.
• Rapid Growth and Productivity: Quail grow quickly and start laying eggs earlier (around 6 to 8 weeks) compared to chickens. Female quail typically lay about one egg per day.
• Delicious Eggs: Quail eggs are prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. They’re smaller than chicken eggs but pack a punch in terms of nutrients per gram.
• Low Maintenance: Though they do have specific needs, quail are generally low maintenance compared to other poultry.
• Stealth and Subtlety: Quail are quiet and do not crow like roosters, which is a huge bonus for suburban areas where noise could be an issue.

2. Choosing the Right Breed of Quail

Selecting the appropriate breed is critical since not all quail are the same. Here are a few popular quail breeds for backyard farming:

• Coturnix (Japanese Quail): This is perhaps the most common breed for backyard farming due to their fast maturity, high egg production, and docile nature.
• Bobwhite Quail: Known for their distinct call, these quail are often raised for hunting and meat rather than eggs. However, they’re more challenging to handle and require more space.
• Button Quail: These are one of the smallest breeds and are typically kept more as ornamental birds or pets, though they do lay tiny eggs.

For your backyard in Portland, Frank, the Coturnix Quail is likely your best option. They are hardy, prolific, and relatively forgiving if you’re new to raising quail.

3. Space Requirements and Housing for Quail

Now, let’s talk about the actual space and environment that will keep your quail happy and healthy.

3.1. Coop or Cage Design

Quail need a dry, secure, and well-ventilated space to thrive. Unlike chickens, quail don’t roost, so they prefer a ground-based living area. Here’s what you should consider:

• Size: Quail don’t require much space. Around 1 square foot of space per bird is sufficient, though more space is always better if you have it.
• Coop Design: A simple, low-profile shelter with a solid roof to prevent rain from getting in is ideal. It’s important to protect them from the elements, especially harsh rain or wind.
• Predator Proofing: Since quail are small, they’re easier prey for predators. Ensure your coop has a secure wire mesh, ideally with gaps no larger than ½ inch.
• Ease of Cleaning: Make sure the coop design allows for easy maintenance. Removable trays for droppings can simplify the cleaning process and help control odor.

3.2. Free-Range Vs. Caged Quail

While quail can be kept in cages, allowing them some free-range time can be beneficial. However, if you opt to let them roam, they will need a secure, enclosed area to prevent them from flying away. Quail are excellent fliers, much more so than chickens, so an aviary type setup works well, where they have both ground space and some room to fly, provided it’s completely enclosed.

3.3. Temperature and Environmental Conditions

Quail are quite resilient birds, but they still need protection from extreme temperatures:

• Heat: If you live in an area with very hot summers, provide plenty of shade and consider installing a small fan or mister system to keep them cool.
• Cold: In colder climates, basic insulation inside the coop and a low-wattage heat lamp can help maintain a comfortable temperature for your quail.

Your Portland climate is moderate, which works in your favor, Frank. Just make sure to protect the quail from the dampness, as they are prone to respiratory issues if exposed to too much moisture.

4. Feeding Your Quail

Proper nutrition is key to keeping your quail healthy and productive. Unlike chickens, quail have slightly different dietary needs:

• Commercial Game Bird Feed: The easiest option is to provide them with a high-protein commercial game bird feed. This type of feed typically contains around 20-24% protein, which is ideal for quail.
• Supplemental Feeding: You can supplement their diet with fresh greens, grains, and small insects like mealworms. However, make sure these foods make up no more than 10-20% of their total diet to maintain balanced nutrition.
• Calcium: Laying hens will require additional calcium. You can provide this in the form of crushed oyster shells or cuttlebone, which they’ll naturally peck at when they need it.
• Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water. Keep in mind that quail tend to dirty their water frequently, so you might need to change it more often than you would with other poultry.

Balance is everything when it comes to feeding quail. Over-reliance on kitchen scraps or treats can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Keep their basic needs simple, and they’ll do well.

5. Breeding and Raising Quail Chicks

If you’re thinking of expanding your quail flock, breeding your own chicks can be a fulfilling experience. However, quail are a bit different from chickens when it comes to reproduction:

5.1. Natural Brooding Vs. Incubation

Quail hens rarely go broody, meaning they often won’t sit on their eggs and hatch them. For this reason, most backyard quail farmers use an incubator to hatch the eggs:

• Incubation: You’ll need a reliable incubator that can maintain a temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) with a humidity level of about 45-55%. Quail eggs typically hatch in 17-18 days.
• Brooder Setup: Once hatched, the chicks will need a warm brooder box with a heat source (e.g., a heat lamp) holding at a steady 95°F during their first week. Gradually decrease the temperature by 5°F per week until they’re fully feathered at around 3-4 weeks old.

If you decide to breed, ensure you’re ready for the process and committed timewise. It’s also possible to purchase young quail or fertile eggs from breeders if you prefer to minimize this part of the process.

5.2. Male to Female Ratio

When raising quail for breeding, aim to have one male per 4-5 females. Too many males can lead to aggressive behavior and stress among your flock, which will negatively affect egg production.

6. Common Health Issues and Troubleshooting

Like all animals, quail are susceptible to certain health problems. Knowing what to look out for can help you keep your flock in tip-top shape.

6.1. Respiratory Issues

Quail are prone to respiratory problems, often due to poor ventilation or high humidity in their living conditions. If they start sneezing or wheezing, it’s critical to improve airflow and reduce moisture levels in the coop.

6.2. Egg Production Problems

If your quail hens suddenly stop laying, this could be due to several factors:

• Diet: Ensure they’re getting enough protein and calcium intake. Sometimes, a small boost of vitamins can help too.
• Stress: Quail are little creatures of habit. Sudden changes in environment, temperature, or even loud noises can cause them to stop laying.
• Lighting: Quail need about 14-16 hours of daylight to maintain high egg production. In shorter daylight periods, you might need to add a supplemental light.

6.3. Feather Pecking

This is usually a sign of stress, boredom, or overcrowding. Make sure your birds have enough room, provide varied food, and consider adding perches or toys to keep them entertained.

7. Harvesting Quail Eggs and Meat

One of the main reasons you might want to raise quail is for their eggs and meat. Let’s briefly cover how to go about these processes:

7.1. Collecting and Storing Quail Eggs

Quail eggs are easy to collect, but they’re fragile compared to chicken eggs. Here’s how to handle and store them:

• Collection: Collect eggs daily to prevent them from getting dirty or cracked. Place them pointy-end down in the carton to keep them fresher longer.
• Storage: Quail eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Some people even opt to freeze them in ice cube trays for longer shelf life.

7.2. Processing Quail for Meat

If you’re raising quail for meat, you’ll want to harvest them when they’re around 8-12 weeks old. Processing quail is easier than chickens due to their smaller size:

• Processing: The steps for processing quail are similar to those of chicken but on a smaller scale. Most people find that skinning the bird (instead of plucking) makes the process quicker and cleaner.
• Cooking: Due to their small size, quail cook quickly, and they bring a delicious, gamey flavor to your table. They can be roasted, grilled, or used in stews and soups.

8. Legal Considerations and Neighborhood Impact

One last but crucial topic is ensuring you’re in compliance with local ordinances or neighborhood restrictions related to raising quail:

• Check Local Laws: Backyard farming ordinances vary by location. In most suburban areas, quail are allowable, especially due to their small size and quiet nature. However, it’s always wise to verify local regulations.
• Communicate with Neighbors: As quail are quiet and low-key, they usually don’t raise concerns. However, it’s still worth letting your neighbors know about your plans, especially if you have a communal fence line.

This is particularly important if you plan to grow your flock larger or engage in any breeding. A little kindness and communication can go a long way in keeping a harmonious neighborhood.

Final Thoughts…

Frank, quail make an excellent addition to any backyard setup, and their small space requirements, quick growth, and productivity make them ideal for suburban living in places like Portland. With the right care, setup, and attention to detail, your quail will thrive and provide you with both delicious eggs and flavorful meat.

Thank you for reaching out and showing interest in this rewarding hobby. Don’t hesitate to start small and work your way up as you get more comfortable—it will be worth it!