Safe Treats and Foraging Foods Your Coturnix Quail Will Love

When it comes to raising Coturnix quail, a little variety in what they eat isn’t just fun. It actually serves a purpose. While a high-quality game bird feed should always be their main diet, adding safe treats and allowing them to forage can boost nutrition, cut boredom, and keep your covey happy and busy. If you’re not sure what to feed them at different ages, I’ve got a full feeding guide that covers it step by step.

I’ve been feeding quail for over a decade now, and offering a little something extra (whether it’s a sprig of parsley or a handful of dried mealworms) has become one of my favorite ways to bond with my birds. Here’s what’s worked for me. It also helps close nutrient loops and cut waste, which I’m always aiming for on the homestead.

Why I Let My Quail Forage (and Give Them Treats)

Offering safe snacks and foraging options isn’t just about spoiling your birds. It mimics natural behavior and gives them something to do, especially if they’re in smaller setups and can’t roam as much. I’ve noticed that my quail are more active, curious, and calm when they have something new to peck at. And let’s be real… watching them go nuts for a few blueberries is just plain fun.

Safe Treats for Coturnix Quail

Treats should only make up about 10–15% of their total diet. If you’re building a complete feeding setup that covers grit, calcium, and protein, I’ve laid that out here. But that small percentage can go a long way toward keeping your birds engaged and well-fed. Here are the ones I reach for most often.

Fruits (chopped small, fed occasionally)

Quail love the occasional bit of fruit, but moderation is key. I like to offer small, soft pieces they can easily peck at. Nothing too sticky or messy. A few bites here and there add variety without too much sugar.

• Apples (seeds removed)
• Bananas
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries (pitted)
• Grapes
• Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon, etc.)
• Peaches (pitted)
• Pears (seeds removed)
• Plums (pitted)
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Greens (wash and chop first)

Fresh greens are always a hit, especially when everything else looks the same day after day. I rotate what I give them based on what’s growing in the garden. Just make sure to wash and chop it so they can grab it easily.

• Beet greens
• Broccoli leaves
• Cabbage (in moderation—too much can cause gas)
• Collard greens
• Kale (in moderation—high in goitrogens)
• Lettuce (avoid iceberg)
• Mustard greens
• Spinach (in moderation—high in oxalates)
• Swiss chard
• Turnip greens

Mealworms

High in protein and basically quail candy. I scatter a few in the pen every now and then to encourage natural foraging. Just don’t go overboard. Too many can throw off their nutrition. If you really want to save money, it’s easy to raise your own mealworms.

Foraging Foods for Quail

Quail thrive when they can peck, scratch, and explore. If you’ve got a tractor or aviary with live plants, try giving them a few of these.

Herbs (small amounts)

Herbs do double duty. They smell great and give a little extra nutrition, too. My quail especially like softer herbs they can tear at easily. Offer a little at a time and see which ones your covey prefers.

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Fennel
• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Weeds and Grasses (pesticide-free only!)

Wild greens and grasses are some of the best natural foraging options you can give your quail. If you’re pulling weeds or trimming the lawn, check they’re safe before tossing them in and steer clear of anything sprayed.

• Chickweed
• Clover (red and white)
• Crabgrass
• Dandelion (leaves and flowers)
• Fescue grass
• Plantain (broadleaf and narrowleaf)
• Purslane
• Ragweed (young plants)
• Ryegrass
• Shepherd’s purse
• Thistle (young plants, thorns removed)
• Wild mustard (young leaves)

I rotate my quail tractors around the yard so they always have access to something fresh. If your quail are in a fixed pen, just bring them a few safe weeds or grasses now and then. You’ll be surprised how much happier they get with that little bit of variety.

Treats and Foods to Avoid

Some foods just aren’t safe for quail. Others are okay in small doses, but shouldn’t be staples. Here’s what I never feed mine or only give once in a blue moon.

Foods That Aren’t Safe for Quail

Not everything from the kitchen or garden is safe for quail. Some foods are downright toxic, while others just don’t sit well with their digestive system. Here’s what I never feed my covey and what I’d tell you to skip too.

• Alcohol
• Apple seeds
• Avocado
• Caffeine
• Cherry pits
• Chocolate
• Garlic (large amounts; small amounts are okay)
• Onions
• Peach pits
• Plum pits
• Processed/junk food
• Raw beans
• Raw potatoes
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt (excess)
• Tomato leaves and stems

Feed These in Moderation

Some foods are fine as an occasional treat but shouldn’t replace their regular feed. These can mess with their balance if you overdo it, so keep them as ‘sometimes’ snacks.

• Broccoli (can cause gas)
• Cauliflower (same as broccoli)
• Chia seeds (high in fat)
• Corn (low nutrient density)
• Cooked pasta or rice (low nutritional value)
• Lettuce (especially iceberg)
• Oats (shouldn’t replace feed)
• Peas (balance with other foods)
• Pumpkin seeds (nutritious but fatty)
• Sunflower seeds (high in fat)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions I hear most often about feeding Coturnix quail and offering treats.

Giving your quail a mix of safe, good-for-them treats is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy and happy. Whether they’re pecking at a handful of greens, chasing down mealworms, or nibbling on herbs from your garden, these small extras can make a big difference.

Raising Coturnix doesn’t have to be all feed scoops and the same old routine. With the right balance, you’ll keep them curious, well-fed, and thriving all year long.