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A Guide to Rearing & Feeding Quail
Introduction
Quail are small, productive birds popular in the UK for their delicious eggs, fast growth, and suitability for backyard or smallholding setups. Whether you’re keeping quail for eggs, meat, or as ornamental birds, providing the right nutrition and care is essential for healthy, thriving flocks.
Key Nutritional Needs
Quail have high metabolic rates and require a nutrient-rich, high-protein diet, especially during their rapid early growth. Their needs differ slightly if you’re raising them for eggs versus meat, but a balanced feed is key for all purposes.
- Protein: Essential for chick growth, feathering, and egg production (especially important for layers)
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vital for strong shells, immunity, and overall wellbeing
- Grit: Supports digestion, particularly for penned or caged birds
Types of Feed by Life Stage
Starter Crumb (0–3 weeks):
- Very high-protein (24–28%) fine crumb for rapid chick growth
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals for healthy development
- Feed little and often to encourage eating
Grower Pellets (3–6 weeks):
- Moderate protein (18–22%), balanced for healthy growth and early feathering
- Transition gradually from crumb to pellet to avoid digestive upset
Layer/Breeder Pellets (6+ weeks):
- For laying hens: Layer feed with 18–20% protein and extra calcium for strong eggshells
- For meat birds: Finisher or maintenance feed with balanced protein and energy
- Supplement with small amounts of greens or insects for enrichment
Grit & Supplements:
- Provide grit to aid digestion, especially for birds not on pasture
- Vitamin/mineral supplements can be helpful during stress or heavy laying
How to Feed
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Frequency:
- Chicks: Feed 3–4 times daily in small amounts
- Growers/Adults: 1–2 times daily, with constant access to feed in cages
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Quantity:
- Follow manufacturer guidelines, adjusting for age and activity
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Water:
- Fresh, clean water must always be available
- Use shallow drinkers to prevent chicks from drowning
Housing & General Care
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Space:
- Quail don’t need much room, but overcrowding can cause stress and feather pecking
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Shelter:
- Dry, draught-free housing with secure mesh to prevent escapes and protect from predators
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Enrichment:
- Add hiding places, dust baths, and foraging opportunities to reduce boredom
Health & Biosecurity
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Cleanliness:
- Clean feeders and drinkers daily, refresh bedding regularly
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Worming & Parasites:
- Regular health checks and worming are recommended, especially for ground-kept birds
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Biosecurity:
- Limit contact with wild birds and rodents to prevent disease
Common Feeding Mistakes & FAQs
- Mistake: Feeding chicken layers pellets to chicks—protein too low for fast growth
- Mistake: Not providing grit, leading to digestive issues
- Mistake: Overfeeding treats or scraps—can cause imbalanced diets
FAQs:
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Can I feed quail chicken feed?
Not ideal—quail chicks and layers need higher protein and finer feed than chickens. -
How long should quail chicks stay on starter crumb?
Usually up to 3 weeks, then transition to grower pellets. -
Do quail need grit?
Yes, especially if not free-ranging.
Product Recommendations
Browse our full range of quail feeds, suitable for every life stage. We also stock grit, supplements, and essentials to help your quail thrive.