1. Brood box preparation
When you notice the hatch process starting - typically in very early morning - place the quails that have hatched and those still hatching into a warm brood box. The box should be lined with soft material, such as a towel or paper towels, and it should be placed in a warm, draft-free location. The temperature in the brood box should be between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Offer water immediately
Newly hatched quail chicks still have a significant portion of their yolk sack so they do not need food straight away but they do get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure to offer water to newly hatched chicks as soon as possible.
Never offer food before water, as any food eaten will swell up if water hasn't been supplied first and can cause fatal issues.
3. Quail chick temperature regulation
To regulate temperature, quail chicks move away from the heat when too hot and move back when too cold. This is why an ideal quail brooder will provide different temperature zones that chicks can move between.
When first removing the chicks from the incubator it is important to provide a high temperature zone as they are still unable to regulate their body heat sufficiently to maintain a stable core body temperature.
If they find the heat provided by the brooder insufficient they will move closer to the heat source, if they find the area excessively hot, they will move further away.
Remember though that they also need to come into contact with the heat source at intervals to ensure their bodies remain warmed through or they will die from the cold.
4. Feeding
Quail chicks should be offered food as soon as they start to move around. The food should be a high-protein starter diet, such as chick starter crumbles. The food should be placed in a shallow dish that is easy for the chicks to reach, and it should be changed regularly to prevent it from becoming contaminated with feces or moisture.
5. Water
Quail chicks must always have access to fresh, clean water. Waterers should be placed in the brood box, and they should be checked and cleaned regularly to ensure that the water is clean and free of debris.
6. Monitor the chicks closely
Quail chicks are very fragile, so they should be monitored closely to ensure that they are healthy and growing properly. The chicks should be checked for signs of illness, such as lethargy, weakness, or diarrhea. If any chicks are showing signs of illness, they should be separated from the rest of the flock and taken to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
7. Move to a brooder
Once the chicks are a few days old, they can be moved to a brooder. The brooder should be larger than the brood box, and it should have a warm area, a cool area, and a food and water area. The temperature in the brooder should be between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Introduce to outside
When the chicks are about 6 weeks old, they can be introduced to the outside. They should be allowed to spend time outside in a fenced-in area where they can scratch and explore. The chicks should be brought inside at night and during cold weather.