What Do Quail Eat? Safe Treats & Foraging Favorites for Coturnix
When it comes to raising Coturnix quail, variety isn’t just fun—it’s functional. While a high-quality game bird feed should always be their main diet, adding safe treats and allowing them to forage can boost nutrition, reduce boredom, and make life more interesting for your covey. (And if you’re not sure what to feed them at different ages, I’ve broken that down here.)
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. Raising quail this way can also help close nutrient loops and cut waste, something I focus on across the whole homestead.
Why Treats and Foraging Matter for Coturnix Quail
Offering safe snacks and foraging options isn’t just about spoiling your birds. It mimics natural behavior and gives them something to do, especially in more contained setups. 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 aiming to build a complete feeding system, including grit, calcium, and protein needs, 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 some of my go-to options:
Fruits (chopped small, fed occasionally)
- 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)
- Beet greens
- Broccoli leaves
- Cabbage (in moderation)
- Clover
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Lettuce (avoid iceberg)
- Mustard greens
- Parsley
- Spinach (in moderation)
- 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 overdo it—too many can throw off their nutrition. (Pro tip: raising your own mealworms is easy and cost-effective!)
Foraging Foods for Coturnix Quail
Quail thrive when they can peck, scratch, and explore. If you’ve got a tractor setup or an aviary with live plants, consider offering these safe options:
Herbs (small amounts)
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Fennel
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Weeds and Grasses (pesticide-free only!)
- 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 birds are in a fixed pen, try bringing in safe weeds and grasses as a supplement.
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 avoid (or keep to a minimum).
Do Not Feed:
- Alcohol
- Apple seeds
- Avocado
- Caffeine
- Cherry pits
- Chocolate
- Garlic (large amounts)
- Onions
- Peach pits
- Plum pits
- Processed/junk food
- Raw beans
- Raw potatoes
- Rhubarb leaves
- Salt (excess)
- Tomato leaves and stems
Limit These Foods:
- Broccoli (can cause gas)
- Cabbage (digestive issues in excess)
- Cauliflower (same as broccoli)
- Chia seeds (high in fat)
- Corn (low nutrient density)
- Cooked pasta or rice (low nutritional value)
- Fruits (high sugar)
- Kale (high in goitrogens)
- Lettuce (especially iceberg)
- Oats (shouldn’t replace feed)
- Peas (balance with other foods)
- Pumpkin seeds (nutritious but fatty)
- Spinach (oxalates)
- Sunflower seeds (high in fat)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only certain kinds. Stick to fresh veggie trimmings and greens—skip anything salty, sugary, or processed.
A few times a week is plenty. Keep treats to no more than 10–15% of their total intake.
Definitely. Mine love going after beetles, ants, and other tiny protein-rich snacks they find on their own.
Offering your quail a variety of safe, nutrient-packed treats is one of the simplest ways to enrich their lives and support their health. 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 routine. With the right balance, you can feed their curiosity and their bellies—and keep your covey happy, healthy, and thriving year-round.
