Coturnix Quail Egg Size: What to Expect from Your Layers
If you’re new to raising Coturnix quail, one of the first surprises you’ll run into is how much their egg sizes can vary. Some are small and neat, others are impressively large, and once in a while you’ll even crack open a double-yolker. So what’s normal—and what should you really expect when it comes to Coturnix quail egg size?
After raising quail for over a decade here at Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm, I’ve seen it all—and I can tell you: size variation is completely normal, but you can influence it over time if you’re selective.
Let’s dive into what’s typical, what affects egg size, and when (if ever) you should be concerned.
Average Coturnix Quail Egg Size
A typical Coturnix quail egg weighs between 10 and 15 grams. Here’s a quick overview:
- Most eggs naturally fall somewhere in that range.
- Some hens will lay smaller or larger eggs depending on genetics, nutrition, and age.
It’s important to know that Jumbo Coturnix quail do not automatically lay larger eggs. While Jumbos are bred for bigger body size and meat production, egg size depends more on the individual hen—and can be intentionally selected for through breeding.
Quick tip: If you want to track your birds’ egg production accurately, a small kitchen scale that reads to the gram is a worthwhile investment.
What Influences Egg Size?
You’ll notice egg size isn’t set in stone. Here’s why:
Age of the Hen
- First-time layers often start with smaller eggs.
- After a few weeks (usually 4–6), their bodies settle into a rhythm, and egg size becomes more consistent.
- Older hens sometimes lay larger eggs, though overall production might drop slightly.
Individual Genetics
- Every bird is a little different! Some hens are simply predisposed to lay bigger or smaller eggs.
- If egg size matters to your goals (for marketing or table use), you can breed for larger eggs by only incubating and hatching the biggest eggs from your best layers.
Nutrition
- A high-protein, well-balanced feed helps your birds lay consistent, full-sized eggs.
- I recommend a 20–22% protein layer or breeder feed to support top egg production and shell quality.
- Extra greens and natural foraging can add vitamins and minerals that boost overall bird health.
Need help fine-tuning your feeding program? The Ultimate Coturnix Quail Feeding Guide walks you through it step-by-step.
Environmental Stress
- Quail are sensitive to changes in temperature, light, and housing conditions.
- Stress from heat, crowding, or predators can cause smaller, misshapen, or even missing eggs.
Stable environments = more reliable egg size.
Jumbo vs. Standard Coturnix: Busting the Egg Size Myth
It’s a common misconception that jumbo quail lay jumbo eggs. Here’s the real story:
- Jumbos are bred for larger body weight, not necessarily for bigger eggs.
- Some jumbos will lay larger eggs, but not all. Likewise, some standard-size Coturnix hens can lay impressively large eggs.
- The only way to truly improve egg size consistently is through intentional breeding selection.
If you hatch eggs from your largest, most consistent layers generation after generation, you’ll naturally develop a covey that lays bigger eggs over time—whether they’re standard size or jumbo body types.
Double-Yolked Eggs: An Occasional Treat
Finding a double-yolked Coturnix egg is a fun bonus. Double yolks are most common:
- Early in a hen’s laying cycle
- When a hen’s reproductive system is still “syncing up”
Double-yolkers are completely safe to eat (and delicious!). Just be aware that they won’t hatch properly if you’re trying to incubate them.
When to Worry About Egg Size
Most variation is completely normal. But watch for these warning signs:
- Consistently tiny eggs (after the first month of laying)
- Thin or soft shells
- Odd shapes or repeated deformities
These may indicate nutritional deficiencies, environmental stress, or underlying health issues. If you’re troubleshooting, Nutritional Deficiencies in Coturnix Quail: Signs and Solutions can help you sort it out quickly.
FAQs About Coturnix Quail Egg Size
Sometimes young hens lay odd-shaped eggs when their systems are still maturing. Occasional odd eggs are normal, but if it happens frequently, it could point to a calcium imbalance, stress, or overcrowding.
For the best hatch rates, most breeders recommend setting medium to large-sized eggs with a typical shape and strong shells. Extra-large or double-yolked eggs usually don’t hatch well and are better eaten instead.
On average, a healthy Coturnix hen can lay around 250 to 300 eggs per year, depending on her age, diet, and environment. Some high-performing hens can even top that number under ideal conditions. If you want a full breakdown of what affects laying rates and what to realistically expect from your covey, check out my detailed guide on how many eggs Coturnix quail typically produce.
One of the things I love most about raising Coturnix quail is opening an egg tray and seeing all the beautiful differences—speckles, shades, sizes, and surprises. Healthy hens that are well-fed and well-cared for will reward you with steady production, strong shells, and plenty of perfectly-sized eggs—no matter where on the size chart they land.
If you’re setting up your first pen or upgrading your quail housing, Coturnix Quail Pen Setup: A Beginner’s Guide has everything you need to get started right.
