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What do you feed to quails?
Providing the correct diet is fundamental for quail health, growth, and egg production. Quails have higher protein requirements than chickens, especially when young or laying. Using the wrong feed can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor growth, reduced egg laying, and health problems. This is one of the most frequently asked questions by new quail keepers.
📅 Created: 4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
- Feed High-Protein Game Bird Starter (0-6 Weeks)5
- Solution: Provide a commercial game bird starter feed with 24-30% protein content.
- Explanation: Quail chicks grow rapidly and require very high protein levels for proper development. Look for feeds specifically labeled as 'Game Bird Starter' or 'Turkey Starter' in crumble form. Chicken starter feed is generally too low in protein.
- Notes: Ensure feed is always available and water is fresh. Crumble form is easier for small chicks to eat.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Shallow feeder, game bird starter feed4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
solution - Transition to Game Bird Layer Feed (6+ Weeks)5
- Solution: Switch laying hens to a commercial game bird layer feed with 20-24% protein around 6 weeks of age.
- Explanation: Once quails reach sexual maturity, their protein needs decrease slightly, but they require adequate calcium for eggshell formation. Game bird layer feeds are formulated for this purpose. Some high-protein (20%+) chicken layer feeds can be used, but game bird specific is often better.
- Notes: Introduce new feed gradually over several days. Provide supplemental calcium.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Feeder, game bird layer feed4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
solution - Provide Supplemental Calcium for Layers5
- Solution: Offer crushed oyster shells or limestone grit in a separate container for laying hens.
- Explanation: Laying quails need extra calcium to form strong eggshells. Layer feeds contain calcium, but providing it free-choice allows birds to consume extra as needed, preventing calcium depletion and soft-shelled eggs.
- Notes: Do not mix calcium directly into the main feed; offer it separately.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Small dish, crushed oyster shell/limestone4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
solution - Use Game Bird Grower/Finisher for Meat Birds4
- Solution: Feed quails raised for meat a game bird grower or finisher feed after the starter phase.
- Explanation: These feeds typically have slightly lower protein than starter (around 20-22%) but are balanced for efficient meat production. Continue this feed until processing.
- Notes: Not suitable for actively laying hens due to lower calcium content.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Feeder, game bird grower/finisher feed4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
solution - Offer Limited Treats4
- Solution: Supplement the diet with small amounts of treats like mealworms, leafy greens, or chopped vegetables.
- Explanation: Treats provide enrichment and supplemental nutrients. However, they should make up no more than 10% of the total diet to ensure the birds consume enough balanced feed. Mealworms are a good protein boost.
- Notes: Avoid feeding avocado, raw beans, citrus peels, and spoiled food.
📌 diy/commercial 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
solution - Ensure Constant Access to Fresh Water5
- Solution: Provide clean, fresh water at all times using appropriate waterers.
- Explanation: Water is essential for digestion, temperature regulation, and egg production. Quails can dehydrate quickly. Use waterers that prevent contamination from droppings and bedding, and clean them regularly.
- Notes: Nipple drinkers or cup waterers often work well for quail cages.
📌 diy/commercial 🛠️ Quail waterer (nipple, cup, or trough style)4/16/2025, 9:45:24 PM
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