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Feeding Quail
 Quail are becoming popular birds to keep either for their eggs or for the table. Quail usually begin laying at approximately 10 –14 weeks of age depending on their breed. Certain breeds may lay between 200 and 300 eggs per year, although of course correct nutrition is needed to achieve this.
As soon as they have hatched quail should be started on an appropriate feed. A feed containing ideally 24% or above protein is necessary for growing quail. Chick crumbs tend to be too low in protein for quail and are generally unsuitable.
At approximately 6 weeks of age the quail should be gradually changed onto a grower/finisher ration, a feed with a protein level of about 20% is ideal. Quail being raised for the table can remain on the grower/finisher ration until they reach their killing weight, but quail being kept for their eggs and breeding will require a breeders ration of 18-20% protein, this should be gradually introduced before the birds are expected to come into lay. As a guide, adult quail will require approximately 20g of food per day and it is recommended that quail of all ages should have access to ad lib food.
It goes without saying that quail should be provided with clean, fresh water at all times. Great care needs to be taken with the chicks to ensure that they cannot fall into the water. Many quail keepers recommend placing small pebbles or marbles in a shallow water container not only to attract them to the water source, but to enable them to get out again should they fall in.
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