How Many Eggs Can You Expect from Coturnix Quail?
If you’ve been curious about just how many eggs those petite Coturnix quail can crank out, you’re in the right place. People everywhere are discovering that these little powerhouses can supply a surprising number of eggs—all without taking up much space or time. Whether you’re hoping to feed your family, sell eggs for a little extra income, or just experiment in the kitchen, Coturnix quail eggs are a fun and tasty option to explore.
Let’s jump right in and find out what makes these birds such impressive layers.
How Many Eggs Do Coturnix Quail Lay?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of care and maintenance, let’s talk about the magic number: just how many eggs can you expect? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot!
Prolific Layers Right from the Start
One of the coolest things about Coturnix quail is how quickly they mature. Around 6–8 weeks old, they’re already ready to lay, which is way faster than most other poultry. Once they’re in laying mode, each female quail typically produces about 5–6 eggs per week—or around 300 eggs a year! If you’ve raised chickens, you know that’s a pretty staggering pace, especially considering how tiny these birds are.
I remember being completely floored when my first Coturnix quail started laying at just six weeks old. I couldn’t believe I was getting fresh eggs practically overnight. If you’re looking for a quick return on your homesteading investment, quail have you covered.
Seasonality and Egg Production
Now, even the best layers need a little downtime. Like many birds, quail will slow egg production in the winter when daylight hours shrink. But don’t worry—you can keep them happily laying all year long by adding some supplemental lighting. Giving your quail 14–16 hours of light per day can encourage them to keep right on laying through those cold, dark months.
I use a simple low-wattage bulb on a timer. Nothing fancy. Just enough to mimic longer daylight. That said, try not to run the lights 24/7. Quail need a bit of darkness each night for rest and overall well-being.
Size and Nutrition of Quail Eggs
If you’ve never cooked with quail eggs, you’re missing out. Sure, they’re smaller than chicken eggs—about one-third the size—but they’re jam-packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, they have higher levels of certain vitamins (like B12 and A) and a richer yolk-to-white ratio, giving them a deliciously creamy taste. The texture is almost buttery, which makes them perfect for everything from bite-sized deviled eggs to adorable mini breakfast sandwiches.
If you’re trying to decide whether quail eggs are truly worth your time and effort, the short answer is: absolutely. They bring a gourmet flair to everyday dishes, and they’re a fantastic source of nutrition. It’s kind of amazing how much flavor and goodness Mother Nature can pack into something so small.
Factors That Affect Egg Production in Coturnix Quail
You know they lay a ton of eggs, but how do you keep that production consistent? A few key factors can help your little ladies stay happy and productive.
Light Exposure
Quail thrive on about 14–16 hours of daylight to keep those eggs coming on a steady basis. During the summer months, natural sunlight often does the trick. But if you live somewhere that’s not quite so sunny year-round (hello, Maine winters!), you’ll want to add a bit of artificial light. Just pop a small LED bulb or low-wattage lamp on a timer, and your quail will be good to go.
Nutrition and Diet
Proper nutrition plays a huge role in egg production. Quail do best on a diet containing roughly 20–24% protein. I typically use a commercial game bird feed that’s specially formulated for game birds. You’ll also want to provide a calcium boost—crushed oyster shells are a popular choice—to ensure their eggshells stay strong and well-formed.
I can’t stress enough how much of a difference a proper diet makes. When I started paying closer attention to my quails’ protein and calcium intake, I saw a real boost in both the quantity and quality of their eggs.
Stress and Environmental Factors
Let’s face it: nobody wants to lay eggs in a stressful environment. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and loud noises can all make quail uneasy, which means fewer eggs for you. I keep my pens clean, give everyone enough personal space, and make sure they have quiet hiding spots if they need a break. If you notice any bullying or aggression (it does happen sometimes), remove the troublemaker so they don’t upset the entire covey.
Aggressive behavior can also be genetic, so I never breed the bullies. Over time, selective breeding for calm, friendly birds helps me keep my coveys peaceful—and happily laying.
How to Maximize Egg Production in Coturnix Quail
Now that you know the basics, here are a few more tips to get the absolute most from your quail covey.
Supplemental Lighting
As mentioned earlier, short winter days can bring on a case of the “no-lay blues.” The solution? Good old-fashioned artificial light. Aim for 14–16 hours of light daily. LED rope lights on a timer works wonders—it’s definitely a game-changer for year-round egg production.
Consistent Feeding Schedule
Quail love routine. Try to feed them on a regular schedule, once or twice a day, and always provide fresh water. Keeping things predictable helps them stay healthier and happier. A steady environment often translates to more reliable egg production.
Temperature Control
While Coturnix quail are pretty resilient, temperature extremes (especially cold snaps) can slow them down. A little extra insulation or some cozy bedding can help keep them comfortable if you live in a chilly climate. I don’t go overboard with heaters in my quail pens, but I do make sure they’re protected from drafty winds and have enough straw or shavings to snuggle into. It goes a long way in keeping those eggs coming.
What to Do With All Those Quail Eggs?
You might be wondering: once my quail really hit their stride, what am I supposed to do with the sheer volume of eggs? Let’s talk about it.
Eating and Cooking with Quail Eggs
Seriously, if you like eggs in any form, you’ll adore quail eggs. Boil them, fry them, bake with them—quail eggs can do it all. They’re a fantastic option for bite-sized appetizers (who doesn’t love tiny deviled eggs?) and can really jazz up a salad. You can even whip them into baked goods, though you’ll want to substitute about three quail eggs for each chicken egg.
Need a few fresh ideas for your next quail-egg feast? Swing by my Quail Egg Recipes post over on The 104 Homestead, where I share mouthwatering ways to whip up everything from bite-sized breakfasts to party-worthy appetizers.
Selling Quail Eggs
If you’re producing way more eggs than you can eat, why not sell some extras? Quail eggs draw attention at farmers markets and roadside stands. People love their unique look and flavor, and they’re often willing to pay a premium for something different. I’ve sold plenty of quail eggs at my farm stand and have always found them to be a big hit.
Preserving Quail Eggs
Let’s say you have an egg overload (trust me, it happens!). Consider pickling them. Pickled quail eggs are a tangy, delicious snack that keeps well in the fridge for months. Just toss some boiled quail eggs in a pickling brine, add your favorite spices, and let them soak up the flavor. I also swap them in for chicken eggs in baking when I have a surplus—think quail-egg brownies or quail-egg quiches. Why not?
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Female quail will happily lay eggs without a male around. Roosters are only needed if you plan on breeding and hatching.
Most quail lay in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can vary depending on things like lighting and feeding routines.
They’ll keep in the refrigerator for about four weeks, but I’d recommend using them within two for the best taste and texture.
Yes, if you want them to keep laying through the darker winter months, plan on providing 14–16 hours of light a day.
Coturnix quail are bona fide egg-laying machines, and they’re one of my favorite ways to keep a steady supply of fresh eggs on my homestead. If you give them a cozy, stress-free environment, feed them a high-protein diet, and add some extra lighting when the days get short, these birds will reward you with an astonishing number of eggs—no huge coop or back-breaking labor required.
For me, raising Coturnix quail has been a total game-changer. It’s crazy how much food such small birds can provide, and the taste is downright delightful. If you’re looking to diversify your homestead, earn a little side money, or just wow your dinner guests with something new and delicious, quail eggs are an awesome way to go. Trust me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll never look at eggs the same way again!
Want to take your egg production to the next level? Explore more on improving your quail’s diet for optimal laying, learn the secrets to keeping a steady supply all year round, see how shifting daylight hours can impact your covey, and discover why protein levels matter so much for healthy birds. Whether you’re diving deeper into overall care or fine-tuning your lighting and feeding routines, these extra tips and insights will help keep those quail eggs rolling in!
