What to Feed Coturnix Quail Chicks vs. Adults
If you want healthy, productive Coturnix quail, it starts with the right feed—and that means understanding their needs at every life stage. From the day they hatch to when they’re laying strong-shelled eggs or heading to the freezer, protein is the powerhouse nutrient that drives growth, energy, and productivity.
I’ve raised thousands of quail over the years, and one thing’s for sure: what you feed them makes or breaks your results. So whether you’re brooding your first batch of chicks or looking to fine-tune your adult birds’ diet, this guide breaks it down step-by-step.
Feeding Coturnix Quail Chicks (0 to 6 Weeks)
Newly hatched chicks grow fast—lightning fast. In just a few weeks, they’ll go from fluff balls to feathered teens. To fuel that kind of growth, they need a diet high in protein, along with clean water and the right support supplements.
High-Protein Game Bird Starter Feed
Chicks should start on a game bird starter feed with 24–30% protein. This isn’t optional—protein is the building block for muscle, feathers, and healthy organs. Anything lower and you’ll see slower growth, weaker birds, and long-term health issues.
If you can’t find game bird starter locally, a turkey starter or high-protein chick starter can work temporarily. Make sure you only buy non-medicated chick starter. I always recommend sourcing proper game bird feed as soon as possible. I’ve learned this the hard way during feed shortages—cutting corners on protein never pays off.
Grit for Chicks
If chicks are only eating commercial feed, they don’t need grit. But once you introduce any whole foods—like boiled egg yolk, chopped greens, or tiny insects—they’ll need fine chick grit to help them digest. I always have a small dish available once treats are introduced.
Fresh Water + Supplements
Water is critical, especially during the first week. I use shallow quail-specific waterers with marbles to prevent drowning. For the first few days, I add a vitamin-electrolyte-probiotic mix to help chicks recover from hatch stress and get a strong start. Just be sure to also offer a second waterer with plain water so they can choose.
Feeding Quail from 6 Weeks to Maturity
Once your quail are fully feathered and about 6 weeks old, it’s time to transition to adult feed. But don’t rush it—this is when you start focusing on what you want from your birds: egg production, meat growth, or just maintenance.
Adult Maintenance and Layer Feeds
At this stage, protein needs drop slightly, but it still matters. For general maintenance, I use a feed with 18–20% protein. For laying hens, I switch to a high protein chicken layer feed—this adds extra calcium for strong shells without sacrificing protein.
A lot of folks ask if males can eat layer feed. The answer? Yes, absolutely. I keep my birds housed together, and the small amount of calcium doesn’t affect the roosters at all. But if you’ve got bachelor pens or birds not in production, a straight maintenance feed can work fine.
Calcium Supplements for Layers
Even with a layer feed, some hens need more calcium. I provide free-choice crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone so they can regulate their own intake. If I see soft-shelled or thin eggs, it’s my first sign they need a boost.
Grit for Adults
Just like with chicks, if adults are only eating crumble or pellet feed, grit isn’t needed. But once you add whole grains, forage, or garden scraps, grit becomes essential. I keep it available in a separate container year-round.
Treats: When and What to Offer
A balanced diet is the foundation, but the right treats can add enrichment and variety. When you introduce treats depends on your birds’ age—and how well they’re handling their main feed.
Treats for Chicks
Chicks can have small treats starting around 3–4 weeks old—but protein still needs to be their main fuel source. I keep treats to less than 10% of their diet and always make sure grit is available.
Good options include:
- Boiled egg yolk
- Finely chopped greens (like lettuce or dandelion)
- Mealworms (tiny ones!)
Treats for Adults
Adult quail love variety, and treats keep them busy and engaged—especially in smaller pens. My go-tos are:
- Mealworms and crickets
- Chopped veggies (peas, carrots, cucumber)
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, turnip tops)
- Grains like millet or oats
If you’re looking for more treat ideas that are safe and quail-approved, check out this list of safe treats and foraging favorites I regularly offer my birds.
Treats still shouldn’t make up more than 10–15% of their diet. And again—grit if you’re feeding anything coarse.
The Role of Vitamins, Electrolytes, and Probiotics
These are especially helpful during:
- Chick brooding (first week)
- Seasonal transitions
- Recovery from stress (molting, transport, predator scares)
I use a powdered mix that includes vitamins, electrolytes, and probiotics, added to water for a few days at a time. Always offer plain water alongside so your birds can regulate their intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slow growth, lethargy, poor feather development, or failure to thrive are all red flags. If your chicks seem smaller or weaker than expected after a week or two, double-check your feed’s protein percentage and freshness.
Chicks can handle up to 30%. For adults, over 22% long-term might be unnecessary unless they’re in heavy production or being raised for meat. Too much protein can strain the kidneys, so balance is key.
Quail chicks should have constant access to feed, especially in the first two weeks. I check feeders multiple times a day to ensure they’re not empty or clogged. They eat frequently in small amounts, so even short gaps can impact growth.
Feeding your Coturnix quail isn’t complicated—but getting the protein right makes all the difference. Start chicks strong with 24–30% protein, support layers with a balanced game bird feed, and keep grit and calcium on hand. Sprinkle in the right treats, stay consistent with water and supplements, and your covey will reward you with strong growth, beautiful eggs, and vibrant health.
Want the big-picture view? My Ultimate Coturnix Quail Feeding Guide goes even deeper into nutrition, supplements, and how to adjust your feeding program throughout the year.
