Stages of Embryo Growth in a Quail Egg

The stages of embryo growth in a quail egg are quite similar to that of a chicken. Eggs are produced to keep the quail's population expanding. There are approximately twenty-three days of incubation when the new baby quail finally emerges into the world. But from the time that the fresh egg is laid until that twenty-third day arrives, there is much growth and development that takes place.

  1. Pre-Incubation Period

    • The development of a quail egg begins when the egg is fertilized. During this time, the yolk is surrounded and protected and a shell is formed around the mass, before the egg is laid. If the quail egg is being naturally kept warm, the female quail is the one who sits on her eggs to maintain the correct temperature for growth. Otherwise, an incubator set at the correct temperature can substitute for the female.

    Early Incubation Period

    • During this period, the quail egg develops quickly. The eyes are beginning to grow. The lower limbs of the quail are beginning to mature. The quail's tail and wings are also starting to be formed. While this development occurs, the egg white and egg yolk are the substances that keeps the quail's growth progressing.

    Mid-Incubation Period

    • The quail's limbs continue to grow and feathers are now starting to cover its limbs and the rest of its body. The quail's beak begins to protrude and begins to strengthen. The heart is completely protected, as are the other organs. The quail's claws are beginning to form and they will prove quite useful when the quail emerges from its shell.

    Hatching

    • After the three week incubation period, the quail begins to crack the eggshell with its own beak. This is quite an exhausting period for the quail and it is necessary for it to rest and change position to regain its strength. The quail continues to peck the shell until its head is free of the shell and it is able to kick the rest of the shell off. After this, he baby quail emerges.