How to Raise Tennessee Red Quail

Tennessee red quail belong to the bobwhite quail family. Bobwhites are famed for their distinctive mating call, which sounds similar to the word "bobwhite." Tennessee red quail have brownish-red bodies with black markings. Male Tennessee reds sometimes have a black face and neck. These quail are often raised for profit, either for their eggs or their meat. Many enthusiasts raise Tennessee red quail simply for pleasure.

Things You'll Need

  • Quail-raising permit
  • Cages
  • Incubator
  • Quail
  • Quail food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your local and state laws regarding raising game birds. Raising quail is restricted in some areas of the U.S., while other areas require quail owners to obtain special permits. Obtain any necessary permits before attempting to raise Tennessee red quail.

    • 2

      Purchase or build quail cages. Tennessee reds are social creatures that are happiest in flocks. If you plan to house multiple quail in one cage, however, choose a cage large enough for them to comfortably live and move around in; generally about 2 square feet of cage space per quail is sufficient. Provide both outdoor space and shelter within the cage. Consider obtaining an egg incubator as well, particularly if you plan on starting with quail eggs rather than baby or adult quail.

    • 3

      Choose your first few quail. Find a reputable breeder in your area. If you want to start with baby or adult quail, choose healthy-looking, lively birds. Pick at least one male and several females, as Tennessee reds often breed in trios or colonies. Starting with quail eggs is a viable option, but you run the risk of ending up with a batch of single-gender quail.

    • 4

      Set up your quail comfortably in their new habitat. Quail eggs should be placed in an incubator until they hatch. Clean the cages of quail chicks and adults regularly to avoid messy buildup. Feed your quails a nutritional diet; commercially prepared quail food is typically sufficient for Tennessee reds, but these quail also enjoy eating various seeds, insects and plants such as corn.

    • 5

      Prepare for the breeding season. Tennessee reds begin laying eggs after their first year of life. Eggs are laid beginning in May and continue for about two months. Most quail breeders place newly laid eggs in an incubator. Chicks will hatch after about 21 days.