About Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm of Maine

Nestled in the heart of western Maine, Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm was born out of a passion for self-sufficiency, genetics, and the joy of raising beautiful, healthy birds. Founded by Jessica Knowles, our small farm is dedicated to providing premium Coturnix quail—ranging from hatching eggs and live birds to educational resources for raising quail. We strive to breed for quality, health, and diversity, ensuring that every bird is a reflection of our dedication and love for what we do.

Our Story

Our journey began about 10 years ago in a small urban environment. Initially, I started with a flock of chickens, but local regulations prohibited me from keeping roosters, which meant I had to continually buy new birds every season. This limitation inspired me to find an alternative. That’s when I discovered quail—small, productive birds that didn’t have the noise issues associated with roosters.

I started with a small covey of Jumbo Brown Coturnix quail, and the more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Eventually, I moved to a larger farm where I could expand my covey and explore the amazing diversity within Coturnix quail. Discovering that there were more than just standard brown quail available, I used my Zoology background and love of genetics to start a small hatchery. Today, Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm is a thriving homestead dedicated to raising birds that are both practical and beautiful.

Our Mission and Values

At Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, our mission is simple: to raise strong, healthy, and easy-to-handle quail that provide high-quality eggs, meat, and joy to families and homesteaders. Every bird we raise is carefully selected for genetics, temperament, and overall health, ensuring our customers receive the very best.

We value sustainability and use every part of our birds—from providing eggs and meat to creating products with byproducts, all available at our farm stand. Our goal is to promote sustainable farming practices that anyone, whether in a rural area or an urban setting, can adopt and enjoy.

Meet the Team

Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm may have started as my personal project, but it has grown into a family effort, with each member playing an important role in making it a success.

Jessica

I oversee the breeding programs and day-to-day operations of the farm. In addition to running Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, I also manage The 104 Homestead, a website that teaches people how to homestead—no matter where they live. My background in Zoology and passion for genetics drive my breeding programs, focusing on both beauty and practicality.

Declan

My 12-year-old son helps out by making crafts for the farm stand, adding a creative touch that draws in customers, and carrying quail to where they need to go on the homestead. Declan is always eager to learn, and watching him take pride in his contributions reminds me why I started this journey—to create a lifestyle that values family, growth, and hands-on learning.

Adam

My adult son makes sure all the farm animals are safely locked up at night when I can’t be there, providing an extra layer of security and care for our farm. He’s also our official quail photographer, capturing the beauty of our birds in a way that highlights their unique features and personality. Adam’s attention to detail and ability to handle even the most active birds makes him an essential part of our farm’s success.

Mike

My life partner, Mike, is the backbone of all the major construction ideas and projects on the farm. From building enclosures to planning new spaces for our birds, his skills have helped the farm grow and improve over the years. Beyond his hands-on contributions, Mike’s encouragement and ideas inspire me to dream bigger and continue expanding what we do here, making the farm the best it can be.

Our Breeding Programs

Our breeding programs are designed with both beauty and practicality in mind. We focus on breeding quail with vibrant colors, robust size, and excellent temperaments. Each color line brings something unique to the covey, from the striking Harlequin Frost to the dependable Jumbo Browns. Our goal is to create birds that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also hardy and productive, perfect for any homesteading family.

What We Offer

Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm offers hatching eggs, day-old chicks, older birds, and breeding sets. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your covey, our birds are raised with care and dedication to ensure they thrive in any setting. We also provide educational resources for anyone interested in raising quail, making it easy for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to succeed.

In addition to hatching eggs and live birds, we sell quail products and byproducts at our farm stand, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and that everything is used sustainably.

Our Blog and Future Plans

To help others learn, I write a blog for Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm that teaches people how to raise Coturnix quail, covering topics like brooding, feeding, housing, and more. We believe that raising quail should be accessible for everyone, and I’m committed to sharing my knowledge to make that possible.

We’re also excited to announce that we plan to offer workshops and farm tours in 2025. These events will provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about raising quail, understanding genetics, and seeing firsthand what goes into maintaining a healthy, happy covey. Follow our Facebook Page for updates.

Our Community

We’re proud to be part of the Maine farming community and love connecting with others who share our passion for homesteading and self-sufficiency. Whether it’s offering products through our 24/7 honor-system farm stand or sharing knowledge through our blog, we are committed to helping others embrace the joy of raising quail and living more sustainably.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to join us in celebrating the joy of raising Coturnix quail. Whether you’re here to learn, start your flock, or simply explore, we’re here to help every step of the way. Feel free to reach out, explore our blog, or visit us at the farm to see what makes Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm truly special.