Backyard farmers raise quail for eggs because it is highly profitable. Quails may be smaller than other types, but it is an excellent substitute for egg laying chickens.
Similar to many poultry birds, quails are productive. They also produce a high number of edible eggs. Quail eggs are much cheaper, and caring for Quails does not require so much management and care.
They only need lesser space and lesser food compared with other birds.
Selecting the Quail Breed
Quails have many breeds available, and some of these are good for meat production, while others are perfect for egg production.
Since you are to raise Quails for its eggs, choose the breed that is good at laying eggs. Mostly, the Button and Japanese Quails are well-known for producing more eggs.
Determining the Number of Quails to Raise
If you will raise a Quail, decide how many numbers you will start. Compared to other poultry birds, Quails need lesser space. You can raise four or more Quails for the space required to raise two chickens.
If you raise a quail for personal egg consumption, a few quails will be enough. Generally, a female quail may lay an egg of three to four in a week. The number of eggs will depend on how many numbers of birds you have.
Caring for Quails
Before you purchase the chick, use a container to bring the chick and keep it as a brooder. The brooder must be safe and comfortable for the chicks because it will be its home for three to five weeks.
You can consider making a DIY brooder box.
Put absorbent bedding in the brooder. Keep an adequate amount of feeder and waterer. Keep a lamp inside the brooder to warm the chicks.
Set the light to 95 degrees F during the first week then lower the temperature at 5 degrees F each week to reach the room temperature.
After three to five weeks, transfer the quails to its home and feed them properly. Adult quails need a lot of protein. So, supply them with foods that are rich in protein.
You can purchase ready-made food for quails. Also, give a sufficient supply of clean water. Do not overcrowd the quails inside because there may be an aggravation, and the quails may start fighting.
One male quail is enough for five to ten quails.
Give appropriate care to your laying quails because it a key to get a good number of eggs. Ensure a suitable environment, keep some nesting boxes, give more space to the laying hens, and provide adequate feeding.
Of course, you also need to provide proper lighting to stimulate egg production.
Collecting the Eggs of the Quails
Always check the nesting boxes for new eggs. Handle the eggs with care because the eggs of the Quails are small and fragile. Use your finger to pick up the eggs and then transfer them to a basket.
Usually, the eggs can last in a week if it is refrigerated. Do not forget to wash the eggs before you use them.
