Most chick losses happen in the first two days. The good news is that the fixes are simple. Here is what we do on our farm the moment chicks leave the incubator.
Before they hatch
Run the brooder for a day before hatch so the heat is steady. Start near 95°F under the heat source with a cooler side the chicks can move to.
Hours 0 to 6
Move chicks once they are dry and fluffy. Dip each beak in water as you set it down so it learns where water is.
Hours 6 to 24
Quail chicks are tiny and can drown in a normal waterer. Fill the tray with marbles or clean stones. Use a fine starter feed with high protein, about 28 to 30 percent game bird starter.
Hours 24 to 48
Watch the chicks, not just the thermometer. Piled under the heat means too cold. Pressed against the walls and panting means too hot. Spread out and peeping softly means just right.
Footing matters
Smooth surfaces cause splayed legs. Use rubber shelf liner for the first week, then switch to pine shavings. No paper towels: they get slick when wet and chicks pick at and eat them.
Want the full hour-by-hour brooder plan with every checklist? Get The First 48 Hours here.
Related: Setting Up a Quail Brooder: The First 3 Weeks.
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