How Much Does It Cost to Raise Quail for Meat?

Raising Coturnix quail for meat can be a cost-effective way to add high-quality protein to your homestead, but it’s essential to understand the associated expenses to budget accurately. From housing to feed, processing equipment to utilities, knowing the full cost breakdown can help you determine if raising quail for meat is right for you.

In this post, we’ll explore the various costs involved in raising quail for meat, including tips on ways to save, DIY alternatives, and factors that may affect overall expenses.

Initial Setup Costs

Setting up to raise quail requires a few one-time investments. The upfront costs will depend on factors like the number of quail you plan to raise, the type of housing you select, and any equipment for processing.

Housing and Enclosures

Quail pens and aviaries come in various sizes and designs, and prices vary based on materials and size.

• DIY Pen or Aviary: $50 – $100 (materials like wood, wire, and fasteners).
• Pre-made Pen: $100 – $300 for a basic pen, or up to $500 for larger aviaries or custom designs.

If you’re only raising quail for meat for a single season, there’s no need to invest in elaborate or expensive housing. For a short-term setup, focus on making the pen predator-proof, as security is the most crucial factor for keeping your quail safe. A small quail tractor—a movable pen that allows quail to forage on fresh ground each day—can be an economical and effective option. This setup not only reduces bedding and cleaning needs but also gives your quail access to natural foraging.

For guidance on creating a safe and functional quail pen, check out my post on How to Set Up Your First Coturnix Quail Pen for tips and essential features to consider in any setup.

Incubators and Brooders

If you plan to hatch your own quail, you’ll need an incubator and brooder. Investing in quality equipment can improve hatch rates and reduce chick mortality, making it worth the upfront cost if you plan to hatch regularly.

• Incubator: $100 – $200 for a quality model (if you choose to hatch your own eggs).
• Brooder Setup: $50 – $100 for a brooder lamp, bedding, and container.

For tips on choosing and setting up an incubator, take a look at How to Choose & Set Up the Best Incubator for Quail Eggs for a complete guide.

Feeders and Waterers

Investing in good feeders and waterers can make a significant difference by minimizing waste and keeping the quail environment cleaner. Quality feeders and waterers typically range from $20 to $40 each, but you can also make your own for under $10 with simple materials. DIY options not only save on initial costs but can be customized to fit your specific setup. For an affordable and effective feeding solution, consider trying this DIY no-waste feeder design, which helps keep feed costs down by preventing spills and mess. Additionally, setting up a DIY waterer can be an easy and inexpensive project that ensures your quail always have access to clean water.

Ongoing Costs

Once you’ve set up your quail environment, the primary expenses are feed, water, utilities, and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for regular expenses.

Feed Costs

Feed is one of the biggest ongoing costs when raising quail for meat. Quail require a protein-rich diet, especially during their growth phase.

• Starter Feed (first 6 weeks): Quail chicks consume about 1 lb per bird per month of starter feed, typically priced around $1.50 – $2 per lb.
• Grower/Finisher Feed: From 6 weeks until processing, quail consume roughly 1.5 lbs per bird per month of grower feed, costing about $1.50 – $2 per lb.

For example, raising a batch of 25 quail from hatch to harvest (typically at 8 weeks) would require approximately 50 lbs of feed, costing between $75 – $100.

Utilities (Lighting and Heating)

Young quail need supplemental heating in a brooder until they’re fully feathered, which usually occurs around 3 to 4 weeks of age. However, the season can impact how long they need extra warmth. During colder months, chicks may require heat for an additional week or two to maintain their body temperature as they develop. In warmer weather, they may be ready to move out of the brooder a bit sooner, especially if outdoor temperatures are mild and stable.

• Brooder Lamp Costs: Around $10 per month for electricity.
• Lighting for Housing: If supplemental light is needed for egg production or mating, budget around $5 per month.

Bedding and Maintenance Supplies

Clean bedding and routine maintenance are essential for a healthy quail environment.

• Bedding: Pine shavings or straw work well and cost around $5 – $10 per month.
• Cleaning Supplies: Consider $10 – $15 per month for disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.

However, if you’re raising quail in a tractor or in pens with wire flooring, bedding costs don’t need to be factored in. With a tractor, quail are moved to fresh ground daily, which naturally keeps their area clean without the need for bedding. Pens with wire flooring allow waste to fall through, reducing buildup and minimizing the need for frequent cleanouts.

Both options can save time and money while keeping the environment sanitary for your quail.

Processing Costs

Processing costs vary depending on whether you’re processing the quail yourself or paying for processing services.

DIY Processing Equipment

Basic processing equipment includes shears, a table, and sanitation supplies.

• Processing Shears and Supplies: Around $30 – $50.
• Plucking Tools or Skinning Supplies: $20 – $30 for plucking tools if you don’t skin the birds.

For processing quail, investing in the right equipment can make the process more efficient and humane. The Rite Farm quail dispatching mount is a popular option that enables cervical dislocation, a bloodless and humane processing method that minimizes stress for the bird and keeps the workspace cleaner. Additionally, quality shears are essential for clean cuts and efficient processing (these butchering shears are the ones I use). The quail processing kit from Rite Farm is also worth considering, as it includes everything you need for a complete setup: an extra-small kill cone, quail drill plucker, and processing scissors.

Professional Processing

If you prefer to have your quail professionally processed, expect to pay between $2 – $3 per bird at a licensed facility. Additionally, if you plan to sell your quail meat to the public, getting them processed at a licensed facility may be required, depending on your local laws and ordinances. It’s essential to check with local regulations to ensure compliance, especially if you intend to sell meat at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, or directly to consumers.

Additional Costs to Consider

Breeding Stock

If you’re purchasing breeding stock to produce your own meat quail, initial breeding quail can cost around $5 – $10 per bird.

Health and Veterinary Costs

Though generally hardy, quail can sometimes require veterinary care or medications.

• Preventive Care Supplies: Around $5 – $10 per month, depending on covey size.
• Vet Visits or Medications: $20 – $50 if needed, though it’s uncommon.

Cost Breakdown Examples

Here’s a sample cost breakdown for raising 25 quail from hatch to processing (about 8 weeks) for the first year, using average estimates:

This estimate doesn’t include optional expenses, like professional processing or veterinary costs.

After the initial setup, many of the costs are one-time expenses. Items like housing, feeders, waterers, and processing equipment will last for several years with proper maintenance, significantly reducing your costs in subsequent years. With the infrastructure already in place and new birds coming from existing breeding stock, your ongoing costs will mostly consist of feed, utilities, and general maintenance.

Here’s an estimated cost breakdown for the second year of raising 25 quail:

This estimate reflects ongoing expenses, assuming no major repairs or replacements are needed for housing and equipment.

Is Raising Quail for Meat Cost-Effective?

Raising quail for meat is most expensive during the first year due to initial setup costs for housing, equipment, and supplies. However, after the infrastructure is in place, annual costs drop significantly, making quail a cost-effective meat source. Once the setup costs are covered, the per-bird cost generally falls to around $2 – $4 for feed and maintenance, depending on local feed prices and housing choices. Quail are also highly efficient for meat production, reaching processing age in just 8 weeks, allowing for multiple batches each year.

Compared to raising meat chickens, quail have a lower feed requirement and require less space, making them an economical option for small-scale meat production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Raising quail for meat is an affordable way to supply your own protein, especially if you’re mindful of expenses. By calculating costs and finding ways to save, you can create a sustainable system that supports regular meat production on your homestead.