Bird is the word - The Coturnix Quial

This species of quail is popular with homesteaders as it would be a considered a DUAL PURPOSE quail. They are quick to reach maturity and begin laying as young as 6 weeks of age (though more are typically 8 weeks old) Males will start to make their calls around the same age or touch sooner (whip like crackle call) Vent sexing can also be done around the 7-8 week make to confirm presence of foam to identify males. They have a decent weight to them for meat consumption and do not take a lot to grow out to size for cost/time.

They tend to lay consistent sized eggs daily with an "ink blot" or dark speckle pattern cast over an off white base colour. The patterning seen on the eggs will vary from day to day, and some hens will lay solid off white/cream colour eggs without the markings present. The other variant seen on their eggs is the level of "bloom" or coating on the egg which can create a haze or texture to the exterior of the egg. All are acceptable and safe to consume (or incubate if fertile hatching eggs)

They tend to live in groups called coveys consisting of one male to several females. They are ground layers and do not perch in trees or use nesting boxes. They will seek a secure place to lay their eggs and hens often lay collectively in one area. Relying on natural coverage like grasses and dense vegetation for shelter and safety due to being an easy prey option for hawks and other birds of prey and other animals like raccoons, foxes and coyotes. 

They eat a diet of seeds, berries and bugs but have no issues consuming man made diets of smaller crumble type feed. As quail do not have teeth to chew or break down their food a source of grit should also be offered to them. Consistent source of clean water is also essential for this bird.

They are relatively friendly quail having more personality like shy chickens compared to the other more flighty species of quail. Coturnix can be found in a very wide variety of colours and patterns with many breeders opting to specialize in specific types. *We have opted to raise BLACK quail out of personal interest in the variation. Our hens are all solid black (or minimal white markings) and our resident Roo is a nearly black and white tuxedo. So far, all chicks hatched from them have carried on with the black plumage with little white on them.

The coturnix is a relatively hardy quail which makes them suitable for beginners and for those looking to start from hatch for the first time. With them being dual purpose individuals will often keep both males and females to grow out and then process or retain for egg production. They can be comfortably maintained on a diet of approx 18-20% once mature. Feed at this level is easily sourced or supplemented and at lower cost.

The protein level is more vital during the growth stage due to their rapid rate to hit maturity. For the first month they should be provided 26-30% protein, decreased to 20-24% until maturing around the age of 8 weeks. This would be to ensure no stunted growth or delayed development in their early stages. 

They LOVE treats! Which helps when forming bonds with those being pets as pets, they can be trained to take treats from your hand and will become content to sit/rest with humans. Great treat options: black solider fly larvae, mealworms, leafy greens, watermelon, cucumber and several other fruits and veggies.

If you have interest in unique and colourful flocks of a single breed this would be a species worth considering! Unless you are looking to "breed true" for a specific colouration, all colour mutations can reside together without concern.

For those looking to raise coturnix primarily for meat, there are lines of "JUMBO" quail which are larger/ heavier birds. They do tend to lay slightly larger eggs as well. Their temperaments are about the same and come in a majority of the same colourations seen in the standard size.