Q&A for How to Get Quails to Lay Eggs

No. Fruit in particular should be given only as a treat, and not every day.

It's best not to give a layers' mix to quail. You should keep them on a game-bird feed with at least 20% of protein and supplement this with calcium, fruits and vegetables.

The two of them should get along well; however, over-breeding can be a problem that will soon develop. This is when mating takes a toll on the hen because she is the only one there. If this issue does occur, then add another one or two hens to the flock.

You can give them cuttlebone, which can be found at any pet store -- or crushed eggshells. Make sure you bake the eggshells in the oven if they are sourced from birds other than the ones they are being fed to in order to kill parasites and diseases.

Quails mature at 6 to 8 weeks and should be laying eggs by then. Stress due to overcrowding, move in location, predators, etc., will reduce your quail's egg production. When your quail does begin to lay eggs, start supplementing oyster shells for calcium. You can also feed your quail its own eggshells, which is another source of calcium.

After 2 years, their egg production gradually declines.

Quail mature at 6-8 weeks of age which is extremely fast! However, it is difficult to get them to become broody and sit on their eggs. You may want to opt for an incubator instead.

Check that the quails have enough light, calcium, space, and aren't stressed or disturbed regularly. Younger quails in their first year of laying have the best fertility and will produce more eggs.

Yes, all animals need rest and a break from light. A radio isn't advisable for quail.

That ratio is perfect for your quails.

All quail lay eggs around the same time which is 6 to 8 weeks. Remember to supplement your quails diet with calcium (crushed egg or oyster shells) and to give them plenty of treats!

Put your quail in a small box with hay and the eggs. She should start to sit on them.

Usually, the mother doesn't require any additional help in hatching her chicks. She can create the perfect temperature for them to hatch in. If you add a heat sources next to the eggs, this can make them too hot or cause the temperature to fluctuate, causing big problems.

Game-bird feed, which should consist of at least 20% protein.

At around 6 to 8 weeks. Some breeds may be closer to 10-12 weeks.

Coturnix quail kept in captivity will lay year-round, similar to other poultry birds. Some wilder species will not produce as many eggs, however.

Check that the quails have settled in for 2-8 weeks first, have enough sunlight, calcium, and space. Also, make sure that they aren't being stressed by loud noises or predators. Talk to a veterinarian if you are still having trouble getting the quails to lay.

Quails very rarely sit on the eggs. You have a much better chance of using an incubator or brooder to hatch the eggs.

There are many possibilities. Your quail may be too old, too young, too cold, stressed, or even male!

They can, but it's rare for them to go broody. The breeding genetic in quails has been altered (and quite practically thrown out) due to years of breeding and taming.

They can if they feel threatened or if there isn't enough food or space. Quail are very territorial, so it's common for them to attack their same species. Even an established flock will come across with issues regarding territory. By updating their living conditions, you can avoid the dominance factor.

Eat them or sell them. Quails eggs are often seen as a delicacy. Otherwise, you can leave the eggs for up to two days before incubation.

No. A nesting box is specifically for chickens and even they don't need a box to lay eggs. A nesting box is just a place for the hen to lay her eggs safely. Quails will lay eggs anywhere at any time if they really need to.

Your quails need to rest at night for 6 to 10 hours, preferably at night. Some quails sleep in the day time, so try to get your quails in a sleeping routine.

They can start laying eggs at about 6-8 weeks old, but each quail may vary.

1.5 to 2.5% calcium is best for quail. Any more and their eggs will be thicker and harder to shell. If you are incubating the eggs, it will also make it harder for the chicks to pip the egg.

You can give your quails a medicated game-bird starter that helps them fight off coccidiosis. It's not recommended to give them anything purposed for other poultry breeds, such as chickens.

Yes, you can.

Chicks don't need grit if they are only fed chick starter. It is easy to digest. If they are out picking, then you can add some to their diet.

Yes, all birds lay eggs. If you're looking for edible eggs, Japanese quail are the most common breeds to keep for egg marketing.