The Quail Necessities - Starting from Hatch

Button Quail:

• 16-18 day incubation time with lockdown on day 14
• 37.5 degrees / 99 degrees depending on the unit and operating settings
• humidity approx 55%
• auto turning set to allow movement 5 times a day
• at lockdown increase humidity to 70%
• once hatched removed after 18hrs if dry and alert

Coturnix Quail:

• 17-19 day incubation time with lockdown on day 15
• 37.5 degrees / 99 degrees depending on the unit and operating settings
• humidity approx 50%
• auto turning set to allow movement 5 times a day
• at lockdown increase humidity to 65-70%
• once hatched removed after 12hrs if dry and alert

Bobwhite Quail:

• 22-24 day incubation time with lockdown on day 20
• 37.5 degrees / 99 degrees depending on the unit and operating settings
• humidity approx 45%
• auto turning set to allow movement 5 times a day
• at lockdown increase humidity to 70%
• once hatched removed after 12hrs if dry and alert

Mearns Quail:

• 24-26 day incubation time with lockdown on day 22
• 37.5 degrees / 99 degrees depending on the unit and operating settings
• humidity approx 55%
• auto turning set to allow movement 4 times a day
• at lockdown increase humidity to 70%
• once hatched removed after 12-18hrs if dry and alert

Physical structure: MORE INFO COMING SOON

Heat source: we have opted to use HEAT LAMPS rather than plates. We can physically keep the heat source out of the brooder reducing any risk to the chicks touching the heat directly. We can also adjust the height, placement and bulb intensity/ colour throughout the brooding period to easily control the level of heat - adjusted weekly. We verify brooder temperature after each adjustment with a digital heat detector tool.

Food: for the first 2+ weeks we grind up their food to make it easier to consume and ensure they are intaking enough nutrients. After 10 days we add in chick safe grit to aid in digestion.

Water: we use shallow lid style dishes with marbles/rocks to prevent drowning with the little delicate chicks. Fresh water is always available (along with electrolyte water for the first 10 days)

Treats: after the chicks are consuming their regular feed and grit well we will crumble in dreid black soldier fly larvae as a little treat, eventually working up to offer them the treat in its whole (dried) state as this is something we use for added protein. We do not offer greens or other solids until they are older and off active heat. The exception to this is watermelon in the summer months to offer additional hydration in controlled amounts.

Enrichment: we tend to place a soft plush item in with newly hatched chicks to mimic their quail momma, they can snuggle up to it/under it slightly to provide comfort and security in their vulnerable state. We then add in enrichment toys / perch structures at approx 3 weeks of age to start encouraging them to navigate and explore once they have mastered staying alive!