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Written by Claire Lawrence / Smallholder Range
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Friday, 13 February 2009 20:56 |
 Quail are becoming popular birds to keep either for their eggs or for the table. Quail usually begin laying at approximately 10 -12 weeks of age and certain breeds may lay up to 300 eggs per year, although of course correct nutrition is needed to achieve this.
As soon as they have hatched quail should be started on an appropriate feed. A turkey starter ration is ideal as it will provide good levels of protein for the growing quail.
At about 5-6 weeks of age the quail can be gradually changed onto a grower/finisher ration, again a turkey feed should provide the correct protein levels. Quail being raised for the table can remain on the grower/finisher ration until they reach their killing weight but quail being kept for their eggs and breeding will require a breeders ration of 18-20% protein, which should be gradually introduced before the birds are expected to come into lay. As a guide adult quail will require approximately 15g of food per day and it is recommended that quail of all ages should have access to ad lib food.
It goes without saying that quail should have access to clean fresh water at all times. Great care needs to be taken with the chicks to ensure that they cannot fall into the water and many quail keepers recommend placing small pebbles or marbles in a shallow water container not only to attract them to the water source but to enable them to get out again should they fall in.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 January 2011 18:50 |