How to Breed Baby King Quails

King quails are frequently a beginning bird hobbyist's first choice for breeding. They easily breed, incubate eggs, and raise their young with little interference from bird keepers. King quails, or Coturnix as they are frequently referred to as, can breed year round, but they are more successful spring through autumn. They lay large clutches of light brown, spotted eggs. With patience you can learn to breed these quail.

Things You'll Need

  • Aviary
  • Nesting material
  • Mouse-proof wire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a safe breeding space. Place nesting material in the aviary for the king quail pair you are attempting to breed. A nest of dry grasses and leaves can be placed in the back of the aviary. Place seven mm mouse-proof wire around the aviary to ensure the tiny hatchlings do not escape as they grow.

    • 2

      Leave the nest alone. Hens usually lay one egg per day for a total of 4-10 eggs per clutch. Once the eggs have all been laid the hen will incubate the eggs. Cocks will occasionally share incubating duty. Checking the nest during the first 7-10 days after the hen lays the egg can make king quails nervous and the hen may abandon the eggs if you do that.

    • 3

      Wait for the eggs to hatch. The incubation period is approximately 18-20 days. After the eggs hatch, remove any rotten eggs that the hen has abandoned.

    • 4

      Monitor the cock around the hen and the young birds. While most males are competent at raising young, some will exhibit aggression toward the hens and baby birds. Place the cock in another aviary if he is aggressive. Consider discontinuing aggressive cocks in the breeding program. Hens should take care of the baby birds and they will be independent within 3-4 weeks.