Coturnix Quail Anyone?

[TexasLisa]

Ok guys, I am going to bite here. Why are you raising these little guys?

Frustratedearthmother, you said you wanted to supplement the dogs' food with them. Does that pay for itself?

The eggs are tiny. My husband eats 4-5 regular eggs at a sitting. How many would he have to eat of these?

Help me understand why you raise them.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I raise them because they're easy and fast and taste good too! And quiet - you could raise them in a garage if needed. they do make a cute little cricket type noise and the roosters "crow." If you don't know the sound you'd think it was an odd songbird, lol.

They hatch out in about 17 days - are mostly mature at about the 6 week mark and will start laying about that time. I usually let them grow another couple of weeks before butchering and I can butcher one from start to finish in less than 5 minutes. I'm all about the instant gratification, lol!

It would take approximately (at least) 3 quail eggs to equal one chicken egg.

Down side - no free ranging. Without secure cages they are definitely a target for predators - ask me how I know. Eggs have to be incubated - they don't go broody. They are a bit of a pain to crack. The shell isn't the problem, but the membrane is strong. I have a quail egg cutter that makes it quick and easy. Grandkids LOVE to cut a quail egg! My grandson mentioned that he wants to raise his own so I'll get him set up if he continues to express interest.

 

[baymule]

I love Bob White quail, I love to hear them call. Never hear them anymore, fire ants are to blame for a lot of that.

 

[FarmerJamie]

I love Bob White quail, I love to hear them call. Never hear them anymore, fire ants are to blame for a lot of that.

In the former life, the first Spring, a pair hatched four eggs in the (future) flower bed outside the family room window. Really was happy the kids got to see

 

[TexasLisa]

Periodically we will see Bobwhite in the field behind our house. In the summer the Bobwhite and I will whistle back and forth to each other.

 

[Britesea]

We have a fairly large population of Valley Quail that wander through our property daily. They belly up to the bar when we feed the chickens and only occasionally get chased off.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Decades ago we had bobwhites here. I'd do the same as @TexasLisa and whistle back and forth. We'd see them in the back pasture running from clump to clump...but no more. Strangely enough - we don't see as many fire ants lately. Seems the crazy ants are taking them out.

 

[FarmerJamie]

Have had quail twice, once from a hunter friend, once from back woods mississippi deep fry everything buffet. Not a big fan, but this discussion interests me. Never had the eggs

 

[TexasLisa]

I am like FJ. I had quail once. Really don't know if I liked it or not. It was a specialty at a Mexican restaurant.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I like it fried - thanks @baymule for that suggestion. But, I really enjoy it wrapped in bacon and doused with a sweet/hot sauce. It dries out quickly so you have to keep that in mind when cooking it.