Quail need more protein than chickens, especially when they are young. Feeding the right stage keeps them growing well and laying well.
Starter: hatch to about 4 to 6 weeks
Use a game bird or turkey starter crumble, usually around 28 to 30% protein. Crush it finer for the first few days if needed. Regular chick starter is often too low in protein for quail.
Grower: until laying
Coturnix move quickly from starter to laying, so many keepers stay on a high-protein game bird feed until hens start to lay. Bobwhite grow more slowly and may use a game bird grower feed, often in the low to mid 20s for protein.
Layer: once hens start laying
Laying hens do well on a game bird layer feed, usually around 20 to 24% protein. Offer oyster shell on the side so hens can take extra calcium for strong shells. Do not give layer feed to young chicks. The extra calcium can harm growing birds.
Water
Clean water every day matters as much as feed. Quail drink more in heat, and a dirty waterer spreads illness fast.
Treats
Keep treats small, under about 10% of what they eat. Mealworms are a good protein treat during molting.
Gear we carry
- Little Giant Plastic Hanging Chicken Feeders – $12.99
- 1L Chick Drinker Waterer – Plastic Gravity Water Feeder for Chicks, Quail & Small Poultry – $5.99
- Mealworm & Beetle Starter Pack – $29.99
- Ultimate Beginners Guide to Raising Quail – $14.99
Learn more on our Coturnix Quail and Bobwhite Quail pages, browse Poultry Supplies and Hatching Time Gear, or read our quail care guide.
Shop Hatching Time quail gear: 4kbowen.com/s/hatchingtime
More quail guides:
- Setting Up a Quail Brooder: The First 3 Weeks
- Quail Housing: Cages, Coops and Space per Bird
- Raising Quail in Winter
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