Bobwhite Quail Incubator Instructions

The bobwhite quail is a small ground bird with variegated brown feathering. The feeding and movement is similar to that of a small chicken. The bird is found in flocks or coveys in the wild and is seen foraging in fields, brush and verges. Incubator brooding is widely practiced, and successful hatches are possible using mechanical means.

Things You'll Need

  • Quality incubator
  • Quail eggs
  • Nonmedicated chick feed
  • Heat Lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check that the incubator is working properly. Prepare the birds for breeding by using game bird conditioner feed. Add mealworms to the diet for protein. Select only unbroken, clean and normal shaped eggs. Do not wash eggs.

    • 2

      Incubate the eggs in a heated or climate controlled room. Set the incubator temperature for 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit for forced air models. Control humidity carefully by insuring it is a reliable 65 percent with a raise in humidity during the last few days to 70 or 75 percent. Turn the eggs at least twice a day. Mark one end of the egg with a pencil to assist in this process.

    • 3

      Candle the eggs after the first week to see if any eggs are not fertile, or if the chick has died. Begin preparing for the hatch at 21 days; quail typically hatch at day 23. Stop turning the eggs at this time.

    • 4

      Set up a brooding area with chick starter feed, a chick waterer and a heat lamp, set at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Use nonslip flooring such as a towel or paper towels for the first week. Lower the heat by a few degrees after the first week. Always check for chick comfort levels. Chicks huddling away from the heater are too hot, and chicks huddling under the heat lamp are too cold. Chicks standing and peeping may need assistance. Content chicks wander and eat.