Consistent Egg Laying in Coturnix Quail: What Works & Why
Coturnix quail are known for being prolific layers, but like any bird, certain factors can cause their egg production to slow down or stop. Whether it’s shorter days, poor nutrition, or something as simple as stress in the environment, I’ve learned firsthand how quickly a covey can go from laying strong to falling short. The good news is, in most cases, a few small changes can make a big difference—and get your birds back on track.
Over the years, I’ve found that lighting, feed, housing, and even water setup all play a role in consistent egg production. If you’re not sure what normal egg production looks like, it’s worth understanding what to expect from a healthy quail.
Proper Nutrition for Consistent Egg Laying
Getting your quail’s diet right is foundational. A balanced feed rich in protein, calcium, and key vitamins supports both health and steady egg production. I’ve seen noticeable drops in egg output when even one of these elements is off.
When I’ve adjusted my quail’s feed to bump up their protein and calcium, I’ve seen their egg laying pick up again within days. Here’s what I recommend:
Protein
Adult laying quail need a feed with 18–20% protein to maintain egg production. If laying slows, a protein deficiency is often the culprit. You can supplement with mealworms, boiled eggs, or other high-protein treats.
Want a deeper dive into why protein matters so much? I’ve got that covered here.
Calcium
Without enough calcium, you might see soft-shelled eggs—or no eggs at all. I always offer crushed oyster shells or a cuttlebone alongside their regular feed.
For tips on building a complete feed setup with calcium and more, check out my full Coturnix feeding guide.
Light: The Most Overlooked Factor
Quail need 14–16 hours of light daily to lay consistently. As the days shorten in fall and winter, their bodies naturally slow egg production unless you step in with supplemental light.
Using Artificial Light
In spring and summer, natural light usually does the trick. But in winter, I use soft LED bulbs on timers to keep things consistent. That way, my quail get the light they need and still have time to rest.
It’s important not to overdo it—quail still need dark periods. Aim for 14–16 hours of gentle light per day and let them rest in darkness the rest of the time. That balance makes all the difference.
Position your lights overhead for even distribution, and use timers to maintain a reliable schedule. A little consistency goes a long way.
Other Lighting Considerations
It’s not just about adding light—it’s also about how and where that light is used. Avoid harsh, flickering bulbs, which can stress your birds. Stick with soft, warm-toned lighting that mimics natural daylight. Be sure to check for shadows or dark corners in your setup, as uneven lighting can affect laying patterns.
If you move your pens around or make layout changes, reevaluate your lighting. Even subtle changes in light exposure can throw off your covey’s rhythm.
Keep Them Comfortable Year-Round
Laying quail need more than good feed and light—they also need a stable, low-stress environment. Temperature swings, noise, and crowding can all throw off their rhythm, even if everything else is dialed in.
Ideal Temperature Range
While Coturnix quail are surprisingly hardy, their laying can dip if they’re too cold or too hot. The sweet spot for laying tends to be 60–75°F. Below that, they start conserving energy instead of laying.
In the colder months, I insulate my pens with foam board or straw bales and add thick bedding like pine shavings. That keeps the warmth in without the need for heaters or (dangerous) heat lamps. Windbreaks help too—think tarps, plywood, or even snow piles.
Stress-Free Living
Stress is another egg killer. Overcrowding, loud noises, sudden changes, or predator pressure can spook your birds and throw off their laying cycle.
I give each bird plenty of space in their pens and aviaries, avoid loud or frequent disruptions, and keep my pens secure and predator-proof. I’ve also added hiding spots and soft corners to give them a sense of safety.
Don’t Forget Clean Water
Hydration matters more than folks realize. If your quail don’t have clean water available at all times, they’ll slow—or stop—laying.
I use nipple-style waterers to keep things clean and algae-free. In summer, I’ll add a copper penny to help combat algae and check waterers twice a day. Clean, fresh water makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
Keep an Eye on Molting
Molting is totally natural—and it temporarily shuts down egg production. If you notice feather loss and fewer (or no) eggs, chances are your quail are molting.
This usually happens in late summer or fall, triggered by shifts in daylight. It can also be caused by stress or a nutritional gap. Most molts last a few weeks, and I’ve found that upping protein during this time helps them bounce back faster.
Once molting is done, egg laying typically resumes on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope—hens lay with or without a male. You only need a rooster if you want fertile eggs for hatching.
Most start between 6–8 weeks old, depending on their feed and environment.
Shorter days are usually to blame. Supplemental lighting helps keep egg production going year-round.
Consistent egg production comes down to the basics: balanced feed, steady light, clean water, and a low-stress environment. It doesn’t take fancy gear—just a few smart tweaks and a close eye on your covey.
Raising Coturnix for eggs is one of my favorite parts of homesteading. And with just a bit of fine-tuning, you can keep your birds laying strong year-round, to
