About Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm of Maine
Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm started here in the western Maine woods with my love of self-sufficiency, small birds, and good genetics. What started as a workaround for city chicken rules has grown into a small hatchery where I raise healthy Coturnix quail, sell hatching eggs, and share what I’ve learned with anyone who wants to raise their own birds.
I’m Jessica Knowles. Zoologist, homesteader, and the slightly obsessed quail lady behind the scenes. Whether you’re here for hatching eggs, live birds, or to learn how to build a healthy, happy covey, you’re in the right place.
How It All Started
My quail journey began more than a decade ago in a tiny urban backyard. Chickens were allowed, but no roosters, which meant no hatching my own chicks without breaking the rules. That rule sent me looking for another option, and once I found Coturnix quail, that was it… I was hooked.
They were quiet, productive, and a whole lot more interesting than I expected. I started with a small covey of Jumbo Browns and and I got deep into the genetics. What began as curiosity turned into a real passion for breeding birds that are practical and beautiful.
Over time, my quail outgrew the backyard and so did the dream. Today, on our five-acre homestead in Maine, I raise multiple color lines and collections, each chosen for health, size, and temperament. Every season brings new lessons, but the goal never changes: raise better birds and help others do the same.
What Matters Here
Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm exists to make raising quail approachable, sustainable, and rewarding, no matter your space or experience level. Every hatch, every post, and every resource comes back to three things I believe in:
- Health Over Hype: I breed for vigor, temperament, and productivity before anything else.
- Sustainability: Nothing goes to waste. Every egg, by-product, and resource supports small-scale, ethical farming.
- Real Education: I don’t gatekeep. I want you to succeed, and I share what actually works from a decade of hands-on experience, not theory.
This is small farming with big heart.
Meet the Team
It might say “I” a lot around here, but Forget-Me-Not is truly a family effort.
Jessica (that’s me!)
I manage the breeding programs, hatches, and day-to-day farm work. I’m also the writer behind The 104 Homestead, where I teach practical homesteading with plenty of real-world honesty. My background in Zoology shapes everything I do, from pairing breeders to designing brooders that actually make sense.
Declan
My youngest and our resident chick taxi. He’s got a sharp eye for mischief in the pens and loves adding his handmade crafts to the farm stand.
Adam
My oldest and unofficial security team. He keeps the birds safe, handles photography, and can wrangle even the jumpiest quail with ease.
Mike
My partner in life and construction. If something around here has a roof, he probably helped me build it. Mike keeps our infrastructure running and reminds me to dream big when the to-do list gets long.
Our Breeding Programs
Here, we focus on both beauty and utility — quail that lay well, grow fast, and look good doing it. Each color line and collection brings its own charm and purpose. Some breed true, some are mixed for genetic diversity, but all are selected for health, size, and calm temperament.
Whether you’re drawn to blue-egg layers, hearty meat birds, or the simple joy of seeing a dozen feather patterns in one pen, there’s a line you’ll love working with.
→ Explore our current Breeding Lines & Collections
What We Offer
Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm provides:
- Hatching eggs that are fresh, unwashed, from carefully selected breeding pens
- Live birds (day-old chicks, started quail, mature quail, and breeding sets)
- Educational resources to help beginners build confidence and experienced keepers refine their methods
- Farm stand products made from or inspired by our birds, because nothing here goes to waste
Starting in 2026, we’ll offer hands-on workshops and tours covering incubation, brooding, genetics, and quail care, so you can learn by doing, right here in Maine.
Rooted in Community
We’re proud to be part of Maine’s growing small-farm community. From the honor-system farm stand to the Sebago Community Market, Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm brings together local families, homesteaders, and curious beginners with tiny eggs and hands-on learning.
Whether you swing by the stand, sign up for a tour, or just reach out with a question, you’re always welcome here.
→ Follow our Facebook Page
Join Us on the Journey
If you’re ready to raise Coturnix quail (or just curious where to start) I’d love to help. Explore the site, grab a guide, or reach out anytime. This work means the world to me, and I’m honored to share it with you.