How to Care for Bobwhite Quail

According to Game Bird and Conservationists' Gazette, bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is about the easiest game bird species to raise. They also are not fussy eaters and are easy to breed. Although many people breed them commercially, you can also keep them as pets and to help clear out weeds and pesky insects from gardens.

Things You'll Need

  • Vet
  • Local zoning laws
  • Roosts or birdhouses
  • Feed
  • Disenfectant
  • Chicken wire enclosure
  • Bedding
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the best quality, grain-based chicken, parrot or game bird feed that you can afford. Although quail should still be allowed to search for insects and weeds, the base of their diet should be controlled with feed. This feed should be a course powder or breadcrumb-sized for chicks under 2 months old and can be in pellets for adults. Bobwhites also enjoy teats of alfalfa, cabbage, turnip greens and ripe tomatoes. Keep feed and water available all of the time.

    • 2

      Choose a roost and enclosure for them. These enclosures should be a minimum of 2.5 meters long, 1 meter high and 1 meter wide per pair. Unless their wings are clipped, they will fly away, so you need a pen of chicken wire around their roosts. They can use chicken roosts, birdhouses made for pigeons or a dovecot. Bobwhite quail roost at night and are active and noisy during the day.

    • 3

      Treat for disease. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, the most common quail disease is called ulceritive enterititis. This can be avoided by adding zinc bacticracin to the feed at 20 mg per ton. The best way to give any medications is by mixing it in the feed. Always check with a veterinarian if you have any questions.

    • 4

      Clean the enclosures whenever possible with good disinfectant. This is especially important right before brooding. If need be, take cages or roosts apart for cleaning. When dry, leave a bedding litter of about 2 inches thick. Preferred bedding materials include corncob, pine straw, wood shavings or peanut hulls. Remove all uneaten feed, as this can develop mold.

    • 5

      Keep the birds as stress free as possible. Stress raises their chances of getting sick. Keep any handling of the birds to a minimum. Too much cold can also stress them. Keep them warm in winter by covering the enclosure with tarpaulin or a drop cloth.