Buying Quail Chicks

Healthy and quality chicks is the key to success in quail farming business. So you must know some important things before buying quail chicks.

You must have to purchase high quality quail chicks from safe and trusted breeders.

Quails are becoming more and more popular for both business and also for raising as pets.

Nowadays quails are being kept as an alternative to chickens mainly due to their similar egg production capabilities.

But the main advantage of raising quails is their small size and they require less space, care and management.

Today there are different types of quail breeds available throughout the world which are used for different purposes.

They are used for both meat and egg production and also raised as pets. You can raise some quails in your backyard instead of chickens.

Tips for Buying Quail Chicks

However, whether you are planning for raising quails for meat, egg or as pets, you must have to purchase quality chicks. Here we are describing more about buying quail chicks.

Check Local Land Laws

First of all check your local land laws. Check whether quail farming is permitted in your area or not. Raising quails is permitted in some areas and not allowed in some areas.

So there is a possibility that regulations are put in place on how quail are kept and whether you can keep them in your farm or backyard.

Quails are considered as livestock in some areas, which will make rules stricter.

Quails actually make some noise constantly, but they are not as noisy as chickens (especially roosters). Quail’s noise may be considered a nuisance to neighbors in some areas.

Choose Your Desired Breed

Select the breed you want to raise. There are many breeds of domestic quail, but not as many as domestic ducks or chickens.

Choose your desired breed depending on the availability in your area, because some areas will only have a certain breed available.

Some common and most popular quail breeds are Button, Bob, California and Japanese quail.

Button quails are fun to raise, while the Japanese quails are most popular and widely available.

Day-old Chicks or Fertile Eggs

Decide whether you want to purchase day-old chicks or fertile eggs. Purchasing fertile eggs will be a better option if you have an incubator.

You can purchase eggs in bulk for getting more chicks and a better hatch rate. But purchasing eggs will not be a good decision if you don’t have an incubator.

Because purchasing a new incubator will cost you a lot. So purchasing day-old chicks will be good for you in such case.

However, it actually makes no difference whether you choose chicks or eggs except for the price range.

Flock Size

Determine your flock size before buying quail chicks. You can raise hundreds, thousands or even more quails. At the same time you can also raise as few as 2 or 10 birds.

So determine the number of birds first. High numbers of birds are needed if you want to keep quails for making profit. But in case of small flock size, it is advised to buy more than one chicks.

Because quails are social birds and they interact in a flock. Quail breeders often offer a discounted price, so the more you buy the cheaper the chicks will be.

Set Up Brooder

After buying quail chicks brooder is mandatory, because it is going to be a home for your chicks for the next 4-6 weeks (or until your chicks grow feathers and mature).

Keep everything inside the brooder, such as waterer, feeder, bedding etc. You must have a heat lamp inside the brooder. And set the temperature at 95 °F inside the brooder for the first week.

And decrease the temperature at the rate of 5 °F each week until it reaches room temperature.

Where to Buy Chicks From

There are many options for buying quail chicks. But purchasing from local breeder and farm stores are good option.

You can also order chicks and eggs online. It’s possible to ship fertile eggs via mail, but chicks are not often available for shipping. Some online classifieds are also good option for buying quail chicks.

Test the Chicks

If you are planning for buying quail chicks from local breeders or farm stores then test the chicks. You can hand-pick the chicks and examine them. You should choose clear-eyed, alert and active chicks.

You can also examine the housing thoroughly. The hygiene of the housing represents what kind of breeder the seller is and how he/she takes care of their animals.

Take the Chicks Home

After testing and buying quail chicks, bring a box and take them home. A simple cardboard box or a cat carrier will be good for carrying purpose.

You need to bring a bigger cage or large enough one if you buy a large hatch.

The carrying box should have absorbent bedding inside fro stopping the chicks from getting their feet dirty or a possible infection.

Keep the Chicks to Their Brooder

After bringing the chicks home, keep them inside the brooder you have set previously.

Provide Water and Food

Feed the birds enough food and water. Nutritious feeding is a mandatory for getting healthy, active and productive birds. Learn more about caring for quail.

Tips for Buying Quail Chicks

Buying quail chicks can be a daunting task, particularly for first-time buyers. Here we will provide some tips for buying quail chicks to help ensure that you make a well-informed purchase.

1. Determine Your Purpose

Before you buy quail chicks, it’s important to determine why you want them. Are you looking for a source of meat or eggs? Or are you simply interested in keeping quail as pets? Knowing your purpose will help you determine the breed of quail that will best suit your needs.

2. Research Quail Breeds

There are several different breeds of quail, each with their unique characteristics. Some breeds are better suited for meat production, while others are known for their high egg production. Researching the different breeds of quail will help you determine which breed will best suit your needs.

3. Buy from Reputable Breeders

When buying quail chicks, it’s important to buy from reputable breeders. Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with healthy chicks that have been properly vaccinated and raised in a clean and safe environment. They will also be able to provide you with information on the breed of quail and answer any questions you may have.

4. Check for Signs of Health

When buying quail chicks, it’s important to check for signs of health. Look for chicks that are active, alert, and have bright eyes. Their feathers should be clean and shiny, and they should be breathing normally. Avoid buying chicks that appear weak, lethargic, or have signs of illness, such as discharge from the eyes or nose.

5. Consider the Age of the Chicks

When buying quail chicks, it’s important to consider the age of the chicks. Ideally, you should look for chicks that are between one and three days old. This will ensure that the chicks are still receiving vital nutrients from the yolk sac, which will help to promote their health and growth.

6. Consider the Sex of the Chicks

If you’re interested in keeping quail for egg production, it’s important to consider the sex of the chicks. Female quail are known for their high egg production, while male quail are typically raised for meat. Some breeders may be able to sex the chicks for you, while others may sell unsexed chicks.

7. Provide Adequate Housing

Before you buy quail chicks, it’s important to ensure that you have adequate housing for them. Quail chicks require a clean, dry, and warm environment that is free from drafts.

A brooder box or cage with a heat lamp is ideal for raising quail chicks, and you should ensure that there is enough space for the chicks to move around and access food and water.

8. Provide a Nutritious Diet

Quail chicks require a nutritious diet to ensure proper growth and development. A good quality chick starter feed that is high in protein and essential nutrients is ideal for raising quail chicks. You may also want to consider supplementing their diet with fresh greens and vegetables, as well as grit to aid in digestion.