Raise Bobwhite Quail
The Bobwhite is the only type of quail found in naturally occurring populations east of the Mississippi river. An economically important game bird, the Bobwhite is becoming progressively more popular in domestication and captive breeding programs. Whether they are being raised to sell in upscale markets or to release as part of a hunting and game program, the Bobwhite is inexpensive and easy to look after.
Instructions
1. Contact your local Extension Office and speak to an agent about obtaining a permit. This is not necessary in areas where the Bobwhite quail has historically been domesticated. But in many parts of the country, they are considered a wild animal and their care and keeping is subject to government regulation.
2. Make certain you have ample housing for the quantity of birds you intend to start with. Each Bobwhite requires a minimum of 2 square feet of living space. Whether you choose to use individual cages or a larger aviary style coop, be sure to keep the birds off the ground as this reduces the risk of parasites.
3. Ensure there are anti-predator measures in place, such as the placement of #xBD;-by-1 inch protective wire over the lower portions of the housing unit.
4. Obtain your birds from a quality breeder. If none are available locally, young chicks or fertilized eggs can be purchased online and transported through the mail (see Resources). If incubating fertilized eggs, you can reasonably expect 50 percent of the eggs to hatch. If purchasing live chicks, you can expect 90 percent to survive the journey.
5. Feed your birds. Young chicks require an equal combination of game bird starter feed and grower feed for the first four weeks. Both should be available at farming supply stores or possibly through pet stores. After four weeks, birds can be switched to a high calcium game bird mix that contains a minimum of 24 percent protein. After six weeks they can be moved to a lower protein food which they can remain on indefinitely.
6. Provide your birds with a constant supply of fresh, clean water. To help prevent illness among your flock, remove all water containers at least once a week for comprehensive cleaning. Once the containers have been washed, sanitize them by rinsing in a solution of #xBC; cup of household bleach mixed with 2 gallons of water. Allow the containers to air dry before reusing.
7. Select the nine best females and the three best males from your flock at the age of 6 weeks. Move them into a separate pen. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, maintaining a 3 to 1 ratio of females to males results in the highest egg fertility among populations of domesticated Bobwhite quail. The remaining chicks are now ready to be sold or butchered.
8. Give your new brood 16 hours of light each day, all year long, for maximum egg production. Under ideal conditions, a domesticated Bobwhite hen will lay approximately 300 eggs per year.
Tips Warnings
When cooking, it takes 3 quail eggs to equal 1 chicken egg. Clean your bird's housing at least once a week. If game bird mix is not available, turkey feed can be substituted. Only single males make the distinctive Bob-White call. By maintaining a population in which the females out number the males, you're unlikely to hear it.
Domesticated Bobwhites have a tendency to peck each other. If this behavior becomes a problem among your flock, scatter some oats or alfalfa hay around the pen to give them something novel to peck. You can also offer tomatoes, cabbage, or ears of corn as a nutritious diversion.
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