Feeding Backyard Quail

Quail have fast metabolisms and lay heavily for their size, so they need a richer diet than chickens. The single most important thing is feeding a high-protein game bird feed rather than ordinary chicken layer.

Protein is the key

Quail need notably more protein than chickens, and standard chicken feed simply does not supply enough. Feed a game bird or turkey starter and grower, which runs higher in protein, and a game bird layer or breeder ration once they are laying. Underfeeding protein shows up fast as poor laying, feather pecking and weak chicks.

• Chicks: high-protein game bird or turkey starter, finely crumbled
• Layers: a game bird layer ration, with shell or fine grit for strong eggs
• Clean water in a shallow dish or nipple drinker, never a deep open bowl

Practical feeding

Quail are messy and scatter feed, so a feeder that limits spillage saves money. Because they are tiny, crumble or small pellets suit them better than large chicken pellets. Always have grit available for digestion and a calcium source like crushed shell for laying hens, and keep feed dry, since wet feed spoils quickly and quail are sensitive to mould.

Treats and what to avoid

Quail enjoy small live foods like mealworms, plus chopped greens, seeds and the odd vegetable scrap, all of which add variety. Keep treats to a small share of the diet so they do not dilute the protein they depend on. Avoid anything salty, sugary or mouldy, and avoid deep water dishes, since quail chicks can drown in surprisingly little water.