Safe Treats and Foraging Foods for Coturnix Quail

Coturnix quail are surprisingly versatile eaters. While their primary diet should consist of a high-quality game bird feed, offering them treats and allowing them to forage is a great way to supplement their nutrition, keep them entertained, and provide enrichment. Not all treats are created equal, though. Some foods are excellent for their health, while others can be harmful.

In this post, I’ll walk you through safe treat options and foraging foods for your Coturnix quail, so you can keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.

Why Treats and Foraging Matter for Coturnix Quail

Just like with any other poultry, offering your quail treats and opportunities to forage isn’t just about supplementing their diet—it’s about giving them a more natural, enriching lifestyle. I’ve noticed that my quail are noticeably more active and content when they’re allowed to forage or receive the occasional healthy treat.

“When I started offering my quail treats and foraging opportunities, I saw a big improvement in their overall behavior. They became more curious, active, and seemed to enjoy a more natural lifestyle.”

Allowing quail to forage is also a great way to encourage natural behaviors, such as pecking, scratching, and exploring, which can help reduce boredom, especially if they’re kept in a pen.

Safe Treats for Coturnix Quail

When choosing treats for your quail, it’s important to remember that treats should never replace their main feed. However, a few healthy, safe treats can be a great addition to their diet.

Mealworms

One of the best treats you can offer your quail is mealworms. These are high in protein and quail absolutely love them. I like to scatter mealworms in their pen to encourage foraging behavior. Just be sure to feed them in moderation, as too many mealworms can lead to an unbalanced diet.

Did you know you can raise your own mealworms to save loads of money? After establishing your colony, mealworms farms are easy to maintain. Happy Mothering has a wonderful guide for starting your own mealworm farm.

Fruits

Quail can enjoy small amounts of fruit, but I recommend feeding them sparingly because fruit is high in sugar. Safe fruits for quail include:

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

When feeding fruits, I always make sure to chop them into small, manageable pieces. My quail seem to love the occasional berry as a sweet treat!

For a more detailed guide on what to feed your quail, check out this helpful article from The Silver Homestead.

Greens

Greens are a fantastic addition to your quail’s diet, offering a great source of vitamins and fiber. I’ve found that my quail love:

• Kale
• Spinach (in moderation)
• Lettuce (avoid iceberg, which has little nutritional value)
• Dandelion greens
• Clover
• Swiss chard
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Collard greens
• Beet greens
• Cabbage (in moderation)
• Broccoli leaves
• Parsley

These greens are easy to grow in your garden, making them a sustainable treat option for your homestead. Always wash greens thoroughly and chop them up to make it easier for the quail to eat! And just like with fruit, offer these in moderation alongside their regular feed.

Foraging Foods for Coturnix Quail

Allowing your quail to forage for their food is a great way to provide enrichment while ensuring they’re getting some natural nutrition. Here are some safe foraging options that quail can enjoy:

Herbs

Herbs not only provide nutrients but also have potential health benefits. I let my quail forage for small amounts of:

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

These herbs can be scattered in their pen or planted in pots near their enclosure for easy foraging. Herbs can be a great way to add variety and nutrients to your quail’s diet, but like with other treats, it’s best to offer them in moderation!

Weeds and Grass

Believe it or not, some common backyard weeds are safe for quail to eat and even provide excellent nutrients. I’ve noticed my quail happily foraging for:

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

If your quail are in a tractor or pen on grass, they’ll naturally peck at these plants. I love moving my quail pens around the yard to give them access to fresh patches of grass and weeds. Just be sure they haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Treats and Foods to Avoid

While there are plenty of safe treats and foraging options for Coturnix quail, there are also some foods you should avoid. Some can be toxic, while others simply aren’t good for their health.

Toxic Foods to Avoid

• Avocado (contains persin, which is toxic to birds)
• Chocolate (contains theobromine, toxic to birds)
• Onions (can cause anemia and digestive upset)
• Garlic (toxic in large amounts, can cause digestive issues)
• Apple seeds (contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide)
• Cherry pits (also contain cyanogenic glycosides)
• Peach pits (toxic due to cyanogenic compounds)
• Plum pits (same cyanogenic compounds)
• Raw potatoes (contain solanine, a toxic substance)
• Tomato leaves and stems (contain solanine)
• Raw beans (contain lectins, which are toxic)
• Rhubarb leaves (contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to birds)
• Alcohol (extremely toxic to birds)
• Caffeine (toxic and can cause cardiac issues)
• Salt (excessive amounts can be harmful)
• Processed or junk food (high in salt, sugar, and chemicals that aren’t good for quail)

It’s always best to stick to fresh, clean foods that are part of their natural diet to keep them healthy!

Foods to Limit

• Spinach (contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption)
• Cabbage (can cause digestive upset in large amounts)
• Broccoli (can cause gas if fed in large quantities)
• Cauliflower (similar to broccoli, can cause digestive issues in excess)
• Kale (high in goitrogens, which can affect thyroid function in excess)
• Fruits (high in sugar; should only be occasional treats)
• Peas (high in protein but should be balanced with other foods)
• Corn (can be high in calories and low in nutrients)
• Sunflower seeds (high in fat; should be an occasional treat)
• Pumpkin seeds (healthy but high in fat; give in moderation)
• Chia seeds (nutrient-dense but high in fat and should be used sparingly)
• Cooked pasta or rice (low in nutrients; good for occasional treats)
• Lettuce (especially iceberg, which has little nutritional value)
• Oats (nutritious but should not replace regular feed)

These foods can add variety and fun treats to their diet but should not make up a large portion of what they eat. Balance is key!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Providing safe treats and foraging foods for your Coturnix quail can enhance their diet and improve their overall well-being. From protein-packed mealworms to fresh greens and herbs, there are plenty of nutritious options to keep your birds healthy and happy. Just remember to feed treats in moderation and always prioritize a balanced diet.

“Feeding my quail a variety of treats and letting them forage has become one of my favorite parts of raising them. It keeps them entertained, and I love knowing they’re getting a well-rounded diet.”

If you’re interested in learning more about quail nutrition, Mississippi State University offers some excellent insight.