Quail Facts!

Quail in the Bible

Quail are more than just a game bird or farm animal — they hold a unique place in history and Scripture.

In the Bible, quail are mentioned as a miraculous provision from God during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.

In Exodus 16 and Numbers 11, the people of Israel were wandering in the desert after their escape from Egypt. Hungry and tired, they began to complain about the lack of food. In response, God sent manna in the morning and quail in the evening — providing both bread and meat to sustain them.

"That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp."
— Exodus 16:13 (NIV)

The appearance of quail in these passages is a powerful reminder of God’s provision.

Coturnix Quail

  • ‍ ‍Easy - Coturnix are very easy to keep and care for.

  • Small – Docile birds raised in a group & require minimal space for housing.

  • Low Cost Breed -to Buy, House, and to Feed for good returns on your investment.

  • Game birds- Quail can be kept in many cities + urban areas where chickens are not permitted!

  • Quiet – females make virtually no noise, so won’t disturb your neighbors or wake you up at sunrise.

  • Good Egg Layers – Fast-growing, consistent egg layers giving 275-350 eggs per year for 3-4 years.

  • Quick to mature – producing eggs at only 6 weeks OLD. that’s 4x faster than chickens or ducks.

  • Protein- Quail meat + eggs are higher in protein and vitamins than both chicken or duck.

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‍ Button Quail

  • Great for indoor aviaries

  • Great Pets for Inside or Outside

  • Prefer to be in pairs (one male, one female)

  • Great egg layers o not meat birds — somewhat ornamental

  • Make Awesome Low Noise Sounds

  • Very Simple to care for and very forgiving

Bobwhite Quail

  • More wild and flighty so they take a bit longer to acclimate

  • Better suited for outdoor pens but can be kept inside or in off the ground egg role out cages

  • Beautiful evening sounds slightly louder then buttons and coturnix

  • Prefer being kept in groups of 10+ with a ratio of 1:1 male female.

  • Popular for hunting preserves and restocking

Common Health Issues:

  • Mites/lice (treat with poultry dust or natural sprays)

  • Respiratory infections (good ventilation helps prevent)

  • Egg binding (ensure calcium and hydration)

  • Vitamin D3 Deficiency- Rubbery Egg Shells, or soft a beak in chicks, Get vitamins on our Shop Quail Page

  • Low Vitamin E & Selenium- Wry Neck- Get vitamins on our Shop Quail page

  • Pasty Butt on quail chicks- check to make sure the vent is clear so they don’t get compacted causing them to grow weak and stop eating.

  • Head Boinking - wall or ceiling Injury from being startled and flying up into the enclosure knocking themselves out or injuring their neck. Keep the enclosure height under 10 inches or taller than 5 ft.

  • Some Quail can become aggressive at times of high stress. If this occurs separate the birds and give them time to calm down, add hiding places in the enclosure , make sure to remove any birds that are injured.

  • Never leave injured birds inside then pen. The other birds will peck the injured birds causing terrible wounds.

QUAIL A SUPER FOOD ? ? YES!

  • Quail meat and eggs are considered Nutrient-rich foods.

  • Quail meat is rich in iron, selenium, and antioxidant that helps boost the immune system.

  • Quail eggs are a great source of protein, containing choline which supports brain health and immune function.

  • Quail eggs are a good source of calcium as well as high in multiple vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

  • Quail meat contains lean proteins low in saturated fats but high in vitamins A & K.

  • Quail eggs have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce allergies.

    • Quail eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids, helps improve heart health.

    • Quail meat also contains Vitamin B12, Calcium, and Zinc.

Quail Care Guide

  • Quail are hardy, low-maintenance birds that are excellent for eggs, meat, and companionship. With the right setup and care, they thrive in small spaces and adapt well to different environments. This guide covers the basics for Coturnix, Button, and Bobwhite quail.

🏡 Housing

Coturnix 1 sq ft Low flyers, keep ceilings low, Button 0.5 sq ft Small, Bobwhite1.5–2 sq ft More flighty.

  • Flooring: Solid or ½” wire is best. Avoid large wire that can injure feet.

  • Bedding: Use pine shavings, straw, or paper-based bedding. Clean regularly.

  • Shelter: Provide a draft-free, predator-proof coop or enclosure.

  • Light: 14–16 hours of light per day encourages egg laying (especially for Coturnix).

  • Ventilation: Ensure good airflow, but no direct drafts.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Coturnix: Hardy in most climates. Tolerates cold with dry, draft-free shelter.

  • Button: Prefer warmer temps (65–80°F). Not cold hardy.

  • Bobwhite: Cold hardy but need dry shelter in winter.

Tip: Use heat lamps only when necessary. Always allow a cool area for escape.

🥣 Feeding

Starter (0–6 weeks):

  • High-protein game bird starter (24–30% protein)

  • Crumble form is easiest for chicks

  • Coturnix & Bobwhite: 18–22% protein layer or game bird feed

  • Button: 16–20% protein is sufficient

  • Grit: Provide grit if feeding anything other than commercial crumble

  • Water: Clean, fresh water at all times. Avoid deep dishes for chicks.

🐣 Hatching

  • Coturnix: Start laying at 6–8 weeks. Easy to hatch and raise.

  • Button: Breeding can be more selective; best in bonded pairs.

  • Bobwhite: Seasonal breeders (spring/summer). Require more space.

Incubation Times:

  • Coturnix: ~17 days

  • Button: ~16 days

  • Bobwhite: ~23–24 days
    Temp: 99.5°F (forced air) / Humidity: 45–55% (increase to 65–70% for hatching)

🧼 Cleaning

  • Spot clean daily and deep clean weekly

  • Watch for signs of illness: Lethargy, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite

  • Quarantine new birds for 2 weeks before mixing with your flock

  • Fresh water is a must quail drink a lot of water keep it clean and fresh to ensure healthy birds