How to Raise Bobwhite Quail for Pets

Of all the game birds, bobwhite quail are the most recommended for commercial and private farming. While the process of hatching and raising quail is time consuming and can sometimes be disappointing with problems such as diseases wiping out entire stocks, the final result of healthy, happy quail is well worth the effort. Just imagine walking out to your bug-free backyard to the sound of "bob-a-white," the quail's call in the distance.

Things You'll Need

  • Incubator
  • Cardboard box
  • Chicken wire bird kennel
  • Feed and watering containers
  • Bobwhite Feed
  • Scratch Grain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Incubate your quail eggs at a temperature of 99.5 degrees with a wet bulb humidity of roughly 86. Remove the quail from the incubator as they hatch.

    • 2

      Place the hatched quail in an indoor enclosure such as a cardboard box lined with newspaper and feed bowls placed on the ground until they are 6 weeks old.

    • 3

      Move the quail into an outdoor enclosure comprised of chicken wire. Leave the ground open for scratching. Keep the bobwhites in a kennel with covered space and perches. Avoid exposing young quail to extreme temperatures.

    • 4

      Clean the quail's kennel at least three times each week. Rake out any droppings, remove and wash the feed and water containers. Avoid dumping the old water in the kennel to keep the kennel dry.

    • 5

      Provide your bobwhites with bobwhite feed continually throughout the day. In addition, offer the quail scratch grain to avoid pecking incidences. Bobwhite also will eat bugs and worms, so don't be timid about providing your pets with live food.

    • 6

      Monitor you quail closely, watching for any eggs. Remember that a healthy amount of space for each quail is 2 square feet of floor space per bird.