When Do Coturnix Quail Start Laying Eggs? Signs to Watch For
If you’re raising Coturnix quail for eggs, it’s natural to start checking those nest boxes with eager anticipation. But how do you know when your birds are getting close to laying their first eggs?
Unlike chickens, Coturnix quail don’t make much of a fuss before they start producing. There’s no loud announcement, no cozy nest building, and no combs turning red. But there are reliable signs you can look for—based on development, behavior, and timing—that’ll help you predict when to expect your first quail eggs.
Let’s walk through what to watch for, what not to expect, and how to set your covey up for a strong start.
When Do Coturnix Quail Start Laying?
Most Coturnix quail start laying between 6 to 8 weeks of age, but that window can stretch earlier or later depending on several key factors:
- Diet
- Lighting
- Breed or strain
- Stress and housing conditions
I’ve had some birds lay their first egg right at 5.5 weeks and others wait until closer to 10 weeks. But if your setup is dialed in, most hens will start right around weeks 6 -8.
Physical Signs Your Quail Are Getting Close
Once your quail hit a certain age, their bodies will start showing signs that they’re gearing up for production. While these signs aren’t always dramatic, there are a few physical clues that tell you they’re getting close.
Full Adult Size and Shape
A quail that’s nearly ready to lay will look fully grown—sleek, proportioned, and well feathered. Unlike their awkward teenage stage at 3–4 weeks, their body shape fills out by 6 weeks. You’ll notice a rounder body and a posture that looks more “settled” than before.
Tail-Lifting Behavior
Right before laying begins, some hens will occasionally lift their tails when startled or handled. This reflex is connected to reproductive maturity. Not every hen shows this behavior, but when they do, it’s often a sign that laying is right around the corner.
Male Attention
If you have roosters in your covey, you might see them begin to show more interest in particular hens—chasing, mounting, or guarding them. While this can happen earlier too, a sudden increase in male attention can signal that those hens are nearing sexual maturity.
Environmental Factors That Affect Start Time
Even if your quail are the right age and size, outside factors can speed up—or delay—when they start to lay. One of the biggest pieces of that puzzle is light.
Light Exposure
Coturnix quail need 14 to 16 hours of light per day to lay consistently. If your birds are approaching maturity in the fall or winter, natural daylight alone might not be enough to trigger laying. In that case, you’ll want to add supplemental lighting (I use a timer and a warm-white LED bulb) to reach the right day length.
Protein and Nutrition
Laying takes a lot out of a bird. If your quail haven’t had a high-protein diet (I recommend at least 20–22% protein as they approach 6 weeks), they may delay laying—or start with smaller, irregular eggs. Quality feed now means better productivity long-term.
Stress Levels
Quail are sensitive. Loud noises, overcrowding, predators outside the pen, or being moved to a new environment can all delay the onset of laying. Keep things consistent, quiet, and calm during this period.
How to Support a Strong Start
If your quail are nearing 6 weeks, here’s how to help them make a smooth transition into laying:
Switch to a Layer Feed
At 6 weeks, start offering a game bird layer feed with around 20% protein and added calcium. This supports steady production and strong shell development.
Offer Calcium Free-Choice
Even with layer feed, I always offer crushed oyster shell or cuttlebone in a small dish. Hens will take what they need, and it helps prevent thin shells or egg binding early on.
Ensure Proper Lighting
As mentioned earlier, 14–16 hours of light daily is essential. If you’re using supplemental lighting, I recommend putting it on a timer to keep things consistent.
Keep a Calm, Clean Environment
Minimize disruptions during this transition. Avoid adding new birds, moving pens, or changing their setup unless absolutely necessary. A steady, peaceful environment helps young hens focus on laying.
What About First Eggs?
When your hen finally lays her first egg, it might not look perfect. That’s normal.
- Expect tiny or oddly shaped eggs at first
- Shells may be thin until her system regulates
- She may not lay every day for the first couple weeks
Give her time. Within a month, her cycle should even out, and you’ll start getting those gorgeous, consistent quail eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coturnix hens average 5–7 eggs per week, though productivity can vary by strain, season, and care.
Check for adequate lighting, high-protein feed, and signs of stress. If everything looks good, give it another week or two—some hens are just slower to start.
It’s best to wait. Young quail need higher protein and less calcium than adults. Start them on 24–30% protein starter feed, then transition around 6 weeks.
Not directly, but roosters can cause stress or distraction in tight pens. If hens seem harassed, separate the males until the hens are laying steadily.
When you’re raising quail, that first egg is a milestone worth celebrating. It means your care is paying off—and your covey is settling into productivity. By watching for key signs, fine-tuning your environment, and offering the right support, you’ll set your hens up for success and enjoy reliable eggs in no time.
Still wondering what kind of egg production to expect? Check out my full post on How Many Eggs Can You Expect from Coturnix Quail? for real-world numbers, common patterns, and tips to boost your yield.
