Learning How To Raise Quail

You have settled on your bird of choice -- quail, now what? Raising quail has been done, literally, for centuries by the Japanese and have migrated with the aid of humans to all over the world.

Because of their small size, they are perhaps the easiest of food birds to raise and can be kept in small areas as opposed to other gamefowl that require more space.

Only a square foot of space is needed for half a dozen to eight birds, but the recommended number to begin with is an even twenty. The male female ratio should be at least two females to one male, but most gamefowl research shows a few extra males helps to insure excellent fertilization.

If you are planning on collecting eggs all year around, you will need to keep your birds indoors since outdoor quail do not lay past autumn and with plenty of bright light to encourage egg laying.

The males are not inclined to monogamy, therefore allowing them to breed with any and all females they come into contact with. These fine birds produce above average egg production beginning at six weeks old and if they are being raised for food, they are able to be consumed at four or five weeks old.

Part of the attraction of raising quail for food is the healthy meat that they produce and it is desirable as healthy consumption due to the low level of cholesterol contained in it as well as being infused with multiple nutrients.

As a delectable and nutritious meal, quail is rapidly becoming the choice of people everywhere desiring to follow healthy eating practices.

Proper cages are needed for maintaining healthy birds and must be acquired before you actually bring the birds to your home or area specified for raising them. All sorts of cages are available for purchase, or can be hand made, whichever form suits you.

Some people have creatively used different other cages for rabbits and have successfully raised a good coop of quail, so buying the most expensive cage available is not necessary, nor is it recommended. It is, however, recommended that you make or purchase a cage or cages of the best quality if only to save money down the road, and to provide your fowl with the healthiest living quarters.

Building your aviary in the best location is another factor that you need to keep in mind. It is necessary to keep them off the floor and at all times keep them protected from the outside elements if you opt for outdoor cages. An indoor aviary is easier to keep controlled temperatures, but you must maintain cleanliness to keep the area disease and germ free.

Collecting the droppings frequently if the aviary is located indoors, is necessary and disposal of them is simple especially if they are being used as compost addings.

When the time arrives to sell or cook your birds, having already planned out your actions helps things to go more smoothly as well as quickly, allowing for ample time to replenish your aviary as needed. Whether you are raising the quail for eggs, food, or as a hobby, it is self-satisfying enjoyment year around and allows you to get a better understanding of birds in general. Plenty of information is available online for further research into raising quail.

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