Coturnix Quails

🥚 Coturnix (Japanese) Quail Care & Info Sheet

Coturnix quail (Coturnix japonica) are compact, gentle, and fast-growing birds often raised for their eggs, meat, or simply as low-maintenance backyard pets. With proper care, they are hardy and productive members of any small flock. 📏 Basic Info

Lifespan: 2–4 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)

Size: 6–8 inches in length

Weight: 100–150 grams (hens often slightly heavier than males)

Maturity: 6–8 weeks

Egg Production: 200–300 eggs per year (starting as early as 6 weeks old)

Temperament: Calm, quiet, ground-dwelling 🏠 Housing

Space Needs: 1 sq. ft. per bird minimum (more is better)

Pen Height: Ideally 10–12 inches to prevent injury from flushing (sudden jumping)

Flooring: Wire floors are common for cleanliness, but solid floors with bedding are better for foot health (use pine shavings, sand, or straw)

Shelter: Provide draft-free, predator-proof housing if outdoors

Lighting: 14–16 hours of light/day to encourage laying

🔒 Ensure enclosures are secure from predators—quail are small and vulnerable. Diet

Starter Feed (up to 6 wks): 24–28% protein game bird or turkey starter

Layer/Adult Feed: 18–20% protein for egg production

Supplements: Offer crushed oyster shell or calcium grit for laying hens

Treats: Mealworms, greens (kale, lettuce), herbs, millet spray,. in moderation

Water: Always provide clean, fresh water—use quail-safe waterers to prevent drowning Maintenance

Clean waterers daily and feed containers regularly

Spot clean droppings weekly; deep clean every 2–4 weeks depending on housing

Watch for ammonia buildup if kept indoors—ventilation is crucial! Health & Wellness

Common Issues: Mites, respiratory infections, foot sores (bumblefoot), calcium deficiency

Signs of Illness: Lethargy, fluffed-up feathers, sneezing, reduced egg production, limping

Prevention: Clean housing, quality diet, avoid overcrowding

🚫 Do not house with chickens—quail can be bullied or exposed to parasites. 🐣 Breeding Notes

1 male per 4–6 females is ideal for fertility

Incubation period: ~17–18 days

Chicks need a brooder at 95°F for the first week, reducing ~5°F per week 🐦 Fun Facts

Coturnix quail rarely go broody—incubation is typically done artificially

They come in a variety of colors like jumbo brown, Italian, tuxedo, and golden

Their eggs are speckled and about 1/5 the size of a chicken egg, but packed with nutrients