Raising Quail

Poultry

Quail are small, fast-maturing birds that many people in the United States raise for eggs, meat, or simply as a low-space backyard project. They appeal to homesteaders and small-farm owners who want poultry but have limited room, as well as hobbyists drawn to how quickly the birds grow and start laying. Because a quail setup can fit in a corner of a yard, garage, or small shed, they are a common starting point for first-time bird keepers.

Getting started

Before you buy a single bird, check your city or county zoning rules and any homeowners association covenants, since some areas limit poultry or treat quail differently from chickens. Plan for a daily time commitment of feeding, watering, checking birds, and cleaning, plus a larger weekly cleaning of the cage or pen. Most beginners start with hatching eggs and an incubator, day-old chicks from a hatchery, or started birds from a local breeder or farm-supply store. For questions about permits, movement rules, and any local health requirements, contact your local Cooperative Extension office, which can point you to accurate, region-specific guidance.

Housing & protection

Quail can be kept in raised wire-floor cages, floor pens with bedding, or small aviaries, as long as the space stays dry, well ventilated, and draft-free. Because they are small and can attract cats, dogs, hawks, snakes, raccoons, and rodents, secure hardware cloth on all sides is more effective than wide-gap poultry netting. Keep the shelter shaded in summer heat and blocked from cold wind and blowing rain in winter, and give the birds a covered or low-height area since startled quail tend to fly straight up. Solid, easy-to-clean surfaces and good airflow help keep the environment sanitary and reduce moisture and odor.

Feeding & water

Quail are typically fed a commercial game-bird or poultry crumble that is formulated for their life stage, since growing chicks and laying adults have different nutritional needs. Offer clean, fresh water at all times using shallow or nipple-style waterers that small birds cannot drown in, and refill often in hot weather. Many keepers also provide grit and, for laying hens, a separate source of calcium such as crushed oyster shell to support normal eggshell formation. Keep feeders clean and dry, store feed in sealed containers away from pests, and ask your local Cooperative Extension or a licensed veterinarian before making any feed changes if you have concerns.

Space & daily care

Quail need far less room than chickens, but crowding leads to stress and pecking, so give each bird enough space to move, and add more room if you see feather picking or fighting. Provide fresh, clean water every day and check waterers at least twice daily in hot weather, since small birds dehydrate quickly. Daily care also includes a quick look at each bird, topping off feed, and spot-cleaning droppings to keep the pen dry.

Common breeds & types

• Coturnix (Japanese) Quail
• Bobwhite Quail
• Button (King) Quail
• Jumbo Coturnix
• California Valley Quail
• Gambel's Quail

Things to consider

Startup costs are usually modest and center on a cage or pen, an incubator or brooder with a heat source, feeders, waterers, and ongoing feed, though wire, hardware cloth, and predator-proofing add up. Common beginner challenges include keeping brooder temperatures steady for fragile chicks, preventing escapes and predator losses, managing moisture and odor, and reducing pecking in crowded pens. Quail are not long-lived compared with some poultry, and hatch rates and egg production vary with genetics, season, and management. For any question about illness, injury, biosecurity, medications, or local regulations, work with a licensed veterinarian and your local Cooperative Extension office rather than relying on general online advice.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.