How to Hatch Coturnix Quail Eggs

Coturnix quail, also known as Japanese quail, are one of the most widely raised species of quail. Originally domesticated and bred in Japan as early as the 12th century, Coturnix quail are most often raised for meat. Coturnix quail are prolific egg layers, with each hen laying as many as 15 eggs per clutch. This abundance of eggs often makes it necessary to hatch Coturnix quail eggs in an incubator to produce the highest number of live chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow plastic storage tubs
  • Incubator
  • Permanent marker
  • Brooder boxes, approximately 3 feet by 3 feet
  • Water and feed dishes
  • Quail starter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather fertilized eggs from your existing Coturnix flock, or purchase them from a local breeder. Place the eggs in a shallow plastic storage tub. Store the eggs in a clean, cool room with a temperature of approximately 60º F. The eggs can be stored this way for up to seven days before being moved to your incubator.

    • 2

      Prepare your incubator. Use the incubator's thermometer and hygrometer to set the temperature to 99.5º F and approximately 60 percent humidity before placing the eggs in the trays. Turn your eggs twice a day to prevent the embryos from sticking to one side of the egg. Mark one side of each egg with a permanent marker so you know which ones you have already turned. Leave your eggs in the incubator for 17 days, observing them carefully during the last two or three days to catch any chicks that may hatch early.

    • 3

      Set up your brooder boxes 24 hours before your eggs are due to hatch. There should be enough space for your Coturnix chicks to move around without getting cold. Fill your dishes with clean water and quail starter. Place the dishes inside your brooders. Plug in your heat lamps and allow them to run and warm up the brooders prior to placing your chicks inside.

    • 4

      Move your newly hatched Coturnix quail chicks to the brooders once they are dry and completely free of their shell. Your chicks may hatch at different rates, so keep a close eye on all the eggs to make sure all the chicks get placed in the brooder as soon as possible. Quail chicks are smaller than other species of poultry and will huddle together for warmth, often crushing each other if the temperature is too low. Add another heat lamp to your brooder if you notice your chicks huddled together under the lamp and not eating or drinking.