Quail Rearing Guide for beginners

Quail rearing is popular worldwide, including in countries like Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Known for its tender, nutritious meat and small size, quail is an excellent choice for hobbyists and commercial poultry farmers alike. These birds are relatively easy to raise, require minimal space, and are profitable due to high demand.

Benefits of Quail Rearing

• Space Efficient: Quails are small, allowing more birds in limited space—six to seven quails can be raised in the space required for one chicken.
• Low Capital & High Profit: Rearing quails requires low investment, and they grow quickly, reaching a marketable size in just 25-26 days, with each bird weighing about 150-200 grams.
• High Demand: Both quail meat and eggs are popular, and with minimal production costs, they provide good market returns.
• Egg Production: Quails begin laying eggs as early as six to eight weeks of age, with each egg weighing around 8-12 grams.

Quail Breeds

There are about 16 species of quails globally, with two major types frequently raised commercially: Japanese quails (ideal for egg production) and Bob White quails (mainly raised for meat). Common egg-laying breeds include Pharaoh, English White, Manchurian Golden, and the American Bob White.

Habitat & Housing

Quails can be raised either on the floor or in cages, with each bird requiring 150 square centimeters of space. Adequate light, ventilation, and secure nesting areas are essential for a healthy environment. A standard cage measuring 120 cm x 60 cm x 25 cm can house up to 50 birds. To ensure cleanliness, bedding material like chaff or sand should be used and replaced regularly.

Nutrition

The primary diet includes wheat, corn, rice bran, dried fish powder, soybean oil, and oyster powder. For optimal growth, quails up to four weeks of age require 27% crude protein and 2,800 kcal/kg of energy. Adult quails consume 20-25 grams of food daily, or about eight kilograms annually, with a food-to-meat conversion ratio of 3:1.

Healthcare

• Vitamin Support: Add 0.25% Vitamin Mineral Premix GS to their diet for overall health, and Premix L during egg production.
• Temperature Management: In hot weather, provide saline in drinking water. Propionic acid (200 ml per 100 kg of food) can prevent food spoilage and fungal growth.

Cage Management

Ensure proper light and airflow in the birdhouse, with feeders and water containers positioned on opposite sides of the cage. For egg hatching, maintain a ratio of three females to one male quail. Eggs can be hatched using an incubator or a surrogate hen, as quails do not naturally incubate their eggs.

Light Requirements for Egg Production

Quails require a gradual increase in light to boost egg production. Start with 12 hours of light in the fifth week, and increase by one hour weekly until 16 hours of light by the ninth week. A 60-watt bulb is generally sufficient for 100 square feet of space.

Common Health Concerns

While quails are generally disease-resistant, they can occasionally suffer from blood dysentery or fungal infections. Regular use of propionic acid in their diet can help prevent fungal issues in their feed.

Raising quails is an excellent venture for those interested in small-scale poultry farming. With minimal space and resources, quails offer a rewarding and profitable experience for both novice and experienced poultry keepers.