Due to their similar egg production rates, quail are a popular kept alternative to chicken.A delicacy in many countries, quail can be raised for butchering and their meat is also considered a delicacy.If you want to raise these birds in your backyard instead of chickens, then starting with baby chicks is a good way to go.This article will help you find a good place to get your baby quail.
Step 1: Local land laws should be checked.
If regulations are put in place on how quail are kept, you may be able to keep them in your backyard.In some areas, quail are considered livestock.Although roosters aren't as loud as male chickens, they still crow throughout the day which may be considered a nuisance to neighbors.
Step 2: Decide on the type of quail.
Like chickens and ducks, quail have multiple breeds.Some areas will only have a certain breed available.The Breeds include; Coturnix, Button, Bob and California.Bob and California quail aren't as popular as other breeds in the wild.Button quail are the smallest quail breeds and can be mixed with other birds.This breed can't be kept for eggs or meat, but can be used to clean up leftover seeds and husks on the floor.Japanese quail, also known as Coturnix, are a very cheap and commonly sold breed that you should consider.Since these breeds can be kept for both meat and eggs, they are very popular in the US and fetch a cheap price.
Step 3: If you would like fertile eggs or day-old chick, you should decide.
Fertile eggs are cheaper than live ones.Eggs can be purchased in bulk so that you can get a better hatch rate.The quail chick cannot be sexed.The price range makes no difference if you choose eggs or chicks.Eggs are cheaper if you don't have an incubator.You can save almost half the price of a commercially sold incubator if you get them second-hand.
Step 4: Pick the numbers.
High numbers are needed if you decide to keep quails for your own benefit or profit.Some hens may not lay eggs at all until they feel comfortable in their environment, while others will lay 3-4 eggs a week.It is recommended that you have at least 10 hens in order to have a steady egg production.It's important to get more than one chick as quails are social birds.The more you buy the cheaper the chick will be.If you want to keep the next generation of birds going, you need to get a ratio of roos with your hens.Since you will be getting a mixed bunch of males and females, you want to avoid inbreeding to have healthy birds.Purchase and sell males in the future.
Step 5: The brooder/incubator should be set up.
The brooder is going to be a home for your chick to stay for the next 3-6 weeks until they grow feathers and mature.The base bedding, feeding station and drinking station should be in it.The brooder will need a heat lamp for the first week and then be lowered by 5 degrees each week until it reaches room temperature.The humidity and temperature should be adequate for the first day.
Step 6: Do you know where to get them?
There are a number of options on where to get your chick in your area.This could include; online, farm stores or a well-known breeder.It is possible to ship fertilized eggs via mail, but not often.There isn't as much demand for other poultry species as there is for chickens.
Step 7: Look at a website.
eBay may sell fertile eggs, while both Gumtree andcraigslist allow the selling of chick.If you're looking for eggs, the best place to start is on these websites, as there may be more options available to you.To use these websites, you need to know the location, what you are buying and how far you want to go.To contact the seller, they can either E-mail them or text them.Some sellers may be dishonest.It is good to know what a healthy chick looks like.
Step 8: Use your internet browser to search.
If you use key words, you can find what you want on a browser.There may be ads for bird breeders in your results.An example of how to type.
Step 9: You can use social media.
A great way to connect with other breeders is on Facebook.You can connect with most towns and regions on Facebook.Buy and sell groups of your town or region.You can connect with a poultry/bird group if you type up your area.
Step 10: Go to a person who is a breeder.
In terms of caring for the bird and breeding the right blood lines, expert breeders know what they are doing.They will have a healthy generation of birds to sell.backyard breeders that put two birds together and hope for the best are not reliable and should not be relied on.For a healthy flock, businesses are the best way to go.
Step 11: Go to a farm store.
There is a good chance that you will be able to buy a week-old quail chick at a farm store.If they don't know any breeders around town, you can ask if they're getting chick in.
Step 12: Take a look at the chickens.
If you're buying from a store, it's a good idea to hand-pick your birds and check them out first.It isn't uncommon to buy a chick that is not healthy.The chick you choose needs to be alert, active and clear-eyed.The housing needs to be examined thoroughly.The hygiene of the housing shows how well the seller takes care of their animals.
Step 13: You must bring a box.
You should bring a cat carrier or a cardboard box with you to collect your birds.If you are buying a large hatch, you should bring a bigger cage or larger one.They should only be in their box for a maximum of an hour or two.The bedding inside the box should be absorbent so that the chicks don't get their feet dirty.
Step 14: Move them to the brooder.
The brooder should be set up before you bring your chick home to make sure you don't get stuck in a carrier cage.It is important to keep a heat lamp on for the first week and then lower it by five degrees each week.
Step 15: Purchase chick pieces.
At a young age, quail need at least 25% of their body weight in food.You can buy a game-bird mix that contains the right amount of meat in it or a chicken starter crumble.