The Ultimate Coturnix Quail Feeding Guide
Feeding your Coturnix quail correctly is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy, happy, and productive. These little birds have specific nutritional needs at every stage of life, and when you fine-tune their diet, you’ll notice better growth, consistent egg production, and overall improved health.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from feeding hatchlings to adults, to supplementation and treats—and help you avoid common mistakes. Let’s get started!
Why Nutrition Matters for Coturnix Quail
Good nutrition is the foundation for raising robust Coturnix quail. These fast-growing birds produce eggs frequently and have a high metabolism, so they need a well-balanced diet loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep up with their busy lifestyle. Getting their nutrition right means better egg production, faster growth, and fewer health issues overall.
Growth and Development
Coturnix quail reach maturity in just 6–8 weeks—much quicker than many other poultry. To support this rapid development, chicks need a high-protein diet during their early weeks. Without the right nutrients, you might see stunted growth, a weakened immune system, or poor feather quality. Ensuring your chicks get ample protein early on sets them up for long-term success.
Egg Production
For adult quail, a balanced diet is directly tied to their egg-laying performance. They need plenty of protein to produce strong, healthy eggs, along with extra calcium for robust eggshells. When nutrition falls short, you might notice a drop in the number of eggs or issues like thin-shelled eggs that are more prone to breaking. By keeping a close eye on their diet, you can maintain a steady, high-quality egg supply.
Overall Health and Longevity
Beyond growth and egg laying, proper nutrition keeps your quail active, with shiny feathers and strong immunity. A well-fed covey is more resilient to stress and environmental changes, meaning your birds will live longer, healthier lives. It’s amazing how tweaking their diet can transform the entire dynamic of your homestead.
Feeding Coturnix Quail at Different Life Stages
As your quail grow, their dietary needs evolve. It’s important to adjust the feed you offer based on their age and purpose—whether you’re raising them for eggs, meat, or simply for the joy of keeping birds.
Feeding Quail Chicks (0-6 Weeks)
In the first few weeks, quail chicks need a high-protein diet to support rapid growth. Aim for a game bird starter feed with 24-28% protein, and ensure it’s finely ground or crumbled for easy eating.
- Frequency: Quail chicks should have access to food at all times (free-choice feeding).
- Water: Keep their waterers shallow and filled with fresh water to prevent dehydration—they grow fast and need constant hydration!
Feeding Growing Quail (6-8 Weeks)
As your quail transition from chicks to adults, their dietary requirements adjust slightly. Around 6 weeks, switch them to a grower feed with about 20-22% protein. This helps sustain their rapid development as they prepare for maturity.
- Frequency: Continue with free-choice feeding during this phase to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need for continued growth and eventual egg production.
Feeding Adult Quail (8+ Weeks)
Once your quail hit adulthood and begin laying eggs, they need a balanced diet to maintain energy and support egg production. Adult quail typically do best on feed containing 18-20% protein.
- Calcium: For laying birds, extra calcium is a must—offer crushed oyster shells or cuttlebone free-choice alongside their feed. This supplementation helps ensure strong eggshells and supports overall health.
- Frequency: Free-choice feeding remains key to preventing nutritional deficiencies and promoting consistent egg production.
What to Include in a Balanced Diet
A successful feeding program relies on the right mix of nutrients from both commercial feeds and natural supplements. Let’s take a closer look at the essentials.
Commercial Game Bird Feed
High-quality commercial game bird feed is the cornerstone of any Coturnix quail feeding plan. These feeds are carefully formulated to provide the perfect balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals that your birds need.
Always check the label to ensure the protein content matches your quail’s stage of life.
- Starter Feed (for Chicks 0-6 Weeks): Use game bird starter feeds that offer 28–30% protein, such as Purina Game Bird & Turkey Starter or Manna Pro Gamebird/Showbird Starter. If game bird feed isn’t available, a similar turkey starter feed can work as a substitute.
- Grower/Finisher Feed (for Quail 6+ Weeks): For growing quail, select feeds with 18–24% protein, like Purina Game Bird Maintenance or Mazuri Game Bird Maintenance. For layers, opt for feeds with 18-20% protein and added calcium, such as Kalmbach Gamebird Layer.
- All-Purpose Game Bird Feed: A balanced option like Mazuri Gamebird Breeder Formula or Scratch and Peck Feeds Naturally Free Organic Layer provides about 20% protein, ideal for quail with higher nutritional demands.
Chicken Feed for Laying Hens
If you’re in a pinch and only have chicken feed available, you can use it with some adjustments. Chicken feed generally has lower protein levels than quail feed, so supplement with protein-rich additions:
- Mealworms: These are high in protein and a favorite treat for quail.
- Boiled eggs: Cooked quail or chicken eggs are an excellent source of protein.
- Fish meal: A protein-packed supplement that can be mixed into the feed.
This extra boost will help ensure your quail meet their nutritional needs for growth and egg production.
Fresh Greens and Healthy Treats
Quail love fresh greens, which add a burst of vitamins and fiber to their diet. Try offering small amounts of spinach, kale, dandelion greens, and lettuce (avoid iceberg for its low nutritional value).
Remember to wash and chop these greens to make them easier to eat, and serve them in moderation alongside their main feed.
For more ideas on healthy, safe treats, check out my post on Safe Treats and Foraging Foods for Coturnix Quail.
Protein Supplements
During periods of high demand—like molting or peak egg production—consider adding extra protein through natural supplements such as mealworms or boiled eggs. These help maintain protein levels without overwhelming your birds. To learn more about the importance of protein in quail diets and how it affects their health, visit my post on The Importance of Protein in Coturnix Quail Diets.
Supplementation should be done in moderation; too much extra protein can lead to imbalances and health issues.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best feeding programs can run into issues if you’re not careful. Let’s look at some pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Overfeeding Treats
While treats like mealworms or fruit add variety, overfeeding them can lead to nutritional imbalances. Treats should make up no more than 10-15% of the total diet. Too many treats might mean your quail miss out on the essential nutrients found in their main feed, so keep it balanced!
Using the Wrong Feed Without Supplementing
If you rely solely on chicken feed without additional protein, your quail may not get all the nutrients they need. This can lead to poor growth, reduced egg production, and other health issues.
Always supplement chicken feed with extra protein sources if it’s your only option, or better yet, switch to a feed formulated for game birds.
Not Providing Enough Water
Fresh, clean water is vital for quail health. Dehydration can lead to a decline in egg production and overall vitality. Make sure waterers are always full, clean them regularly, and provide water in shallow containers to prevent spills and contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, quail can eat grains like corn and wheat, but they should only make up a small part of the diet, as grains are lower in protein.
Yes, organic feed can promote healthier birds by reducing exposure to pesticides and additives, though the key is always to ensure balanced nutrition.
They can eat certain vegetable scraps and greens, but avoid anything processed, salty, or fatty.
Yes, mixing feed types can offer a well-rounded diet. Just be sure to maintain the proper levels of protein, vitamins, and calcium needed for your quail’s specific stage of life.
Look for slow growth in chicks, reduced egg production, dull or poor feather quality, and overall lethargy as potential indicators of nutritional deficiencies.
Feeding your Coturnix quail the right diet is essential for raising a healthy, productive covey—whether you’re in it for the eggs, the meat, or just the joy of quail keeping. By choosing a balanced commercial feed, supplementing when necessary, and avoiding common pitfalls like overfeeding treats or using the wrong feed, you’re well on your way to success. With a little attention to nutrition, you’ll see improved growth, better egg production, and overall happier, healthier birds.
If you’re looking to dive even deeper into your quail feeding routine, there are plenty of resources to help you refine your approach. Discover detailed advice on how the nutritional needs of quail change from chicks to adults, so you can tailor their diet at every stage. If you’re feeling DIY, learn how to mix your own homemade layer feed for a cost-effective and customized option. And for those times when you want to add a little extra variety, check out creative ideas for safe treats and natural foraging foods that will keep your birds happy and healthy.
Remember, the key to a thriving covey is consistency and a bit of creativity in your feeding routine. Happy quail-raising, and here’s to many years of delicious, homegrown eggs!
