DIY Options and Money-saving Tips for Raising Coturnix Quail

Raising Coturnix quail can absolutely be a budget-friendly addition to your homestead—if you understand where the money goes. Feed, housing, incubators, brooders… it all adds up. The good news? There are plenty of smart ways to cut costs without cutting corners on care.

I’ve raised hundreds of quail over the years here at Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, and I’ve tested just about every setup. This guide breaks down the real costs of raising Coturnix quail and shows you how to make it work without overspending.

Start-Up Costs: Housing, Equipment, and Birds

Let’s break down each major expense, starting with one of the biggest investments you’ll make up front—housing your birds safely and comfortably.

Housing Options

DIY Quail Pens can cost as little as $50 if you use scrap wood, salvaged fencing, or wire shelving units. I’ve built plenty using materials I had on hand—sturdy, safe, and fully functional. Need layout help? This beginner’s guide to setting up your first quail pen walks you through the basics.

Pre-made Pens range from $200 to $800. They do save time—but you’ll pay for convenience. Look for pens with easy-clean trays and tight hardware cloth to keep your quail secure.

Money-Saving Tip: Check local listings for rabbit cages, small animal enclosures, or used poultry pens. You can often score great deals on repurposed gear.

Buying Your Birds

• Hatching Eggs: $10–$60/dozen. Most affordable, but you’ll need an incubator.
• Day-Old Chicks: $1–$5 each. More work upfront, but less risk than shipping eggs.
• Adults/Teen Quail: $5–$15 each. Higher cost, but quicker to egg-laying.

Here’s when to butcher Coturnix quail if you’re raising for meat.

Incubators

Store-Bought Models range from $40 to $400. I use a Hatching Time cabinet incubator for big batches, but you can start small and upgrade later.

DIY Incubators can be made from totes or coolers with a heat source, fan, and thermometer. Budget around $20–$30 and expect some babysitting.

Money-Saving Tip: Skip the automatic turner for small hatches. Manual turning saves money, especially when you’re just getting started.

Brooders

Commercial Brooders (like Hatching Time) are easy to clean and great for consistent temps. Expect to spend $50–$150.

DIY Brooders using storage totes, cardboard boxes, or wooden crates can cost under $20. All you need is a safe heat source, good airflow, and bedding.

If you run into problems, check out Common Brooding Issues and How to Solve Them.

Feed, Bedding, and Routine Care

Of all the recurring expenses, feed tends to take the biggest bite out of your budget. Here’s how to keep it manageable without sacrificing nutrition.

Feed Costs

Game Bird Feed (20–24% protein) costs about $15–$20 for 50 lbs, which will feed 10–12 quail for 4–6 weeks.

Want to mix your own feed? This guide to homemade layer feed covers the details.

Money-Saving Tip: Buy feed in bulk and store it in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.

Bedding

Pine shavings: $5–$10 per bag, replaced every 2–4 weeks. Free alternatives: Shredded cardboard or newspaper (not for chicks—risk of spraddle leg).

Money-Saving Tip: Check with local stores for free boxes or end rolls of newsprint.

Supplements & Healthcare

• Calcium: Crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone for layers, about $10 (lasts months)
• Probiotics & Vitamins: $5–$15/year if used during stress, molts, or brooding
• Basic meds or wormers: Budget $10–$30/year just in case

Money-Saving Tip: Prevent problems by keeping pens clean and birds stress-free. This natural health guide for quail has some of my go-to tricks.

Electricity

If you use heat lamps, incubators, or supplemental lighting:

• Expect around $5–$10/month depending on your setup
• Save with solar lights or daylight-maximizing pen placement

Need winter strategies? Here’s how I raise quail in Maine without breaking the bank.

Feeders, Waterers, and Upgrades

You don’t need fancy gear, but a few upgrades can make life easier.

• Store-Bought Feeders: $10–$30
• Waterers (quail-safe): $10–$25
• DIY Options: Made mine with PVC pipe and plastic bottles for under $5

Money-Saving Tip: Use gravity-fed bucket systems for clean, low-maintenance watering.

Want to Sell Eggs or Expand? Factor in…

Scaling up takes more than just enthusiasm—it takes space, gear, and a bit of strategy. Let’s look at what you’ll need to keep a productive breeding program on track.

Breeding Supplies

Extra pens, cages, or hatching gear can add $50–$150 or more, especially if you’re raising for meat or building a sustainable breeding program. This post on inbreeding prevention will help you manage genetics without overspending.

Marketing

• Basic branding (labels, signs, cards): $50–$100
• Farmers market booth fees: Vary by region
• Local outreach: Start on Facebook, farm groups, or Craigslist before spending money

Want to go deeper? Here’s how to sell quail eggs profitably.

Sample Budget: Raising 10 Quail on a Budget

Here’s a real-world look at how those numbers can add up.

Monthly ongoing costs: $20–$30 for feed, bedding, and supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to raise Coturnix quail doesn’t have to derail your homestead budget. With DIY setups, smart sourcing, and a few strategic upgrades, you can raise healthy, productive birds without spending a fortune.

Start small, reuse what you can, and scale up when it makes sense. These birds pay you back in eggs, meat, compost, and joy—and in my book, that’s money well spent.

Looking for hatching eggs or healthy, well-started quail here in Maine? Reach out to reserve your covey!