I always sing the praises of those tiny little birds to anybody who will pay attention, and firmly consider that no yard homestead or full-fledged farm is full with out them. Listed here are my prime 10 causes to maintain Coturnix quail:
1. They’re small, and require little or no house in comparison with different forms of poultry and fowl. Due to this, they don’t take up a lot room in your property. Most individuals advocate that you simply run one sq. foot of house per hen. I’ve discovered that my birds are happiest with about ½ to 1 full sq. foot of house per hen, so you’ll be able to undoubtedly be taught as you go and see what works greatest in your personal birds. As a result of their small measurement, they don’t require as a lot hands-on clear up as chickens. Coturnix additionally eat a lot lower than chickens, although they do have a voracious urge for food for his or her small measurement!
2. They’re quiet, so they don’t have a tendency to attract undesirable consideration from neighbors or HOAs. Whereas males do crow, I discover that they crow much less usually when they’re stored with a gaggle of hens. Moreover, their crows are usually extra quiet than a hen, and might usually be mistaken for a wild hen within the distance. My present rooster solely crows just a few instances at nightfall, and I all the time attempt to ensure I’m outdoors to listen to it, as I like the sound of his calls.
3. Quail require quite simple housing. In contrast to chickens, quail can’t be stored in an open coop, nor can they free vary. They do greatest in absolutely enclosed areas as a result of they’re extraordinarily weak to predators. Although my birds are given ample house, I discover that they’re happiest when they’re in shut proximity to their flock mates, so I don’t really feel the necessity to put them in an especially giant or elaborate enclosure. You’ll be able to very simply modify small hen coops, rabbit hutches, or greenhouses to accommodate your Coturnix quail.
4. Coturnix are fast to mature, so that you don’t have to attend very lengthy for meat or eggs. Relying on the time of yr, hens will start to put at about 6-8 weeks of age. You may also course of develop outs for meat across the identical timeframe.
5. They’re simple to course of, and also you don’t want plenty of specialised gear on butchering day. A number of sharp knives, reducing boards, clear work areas, and receptacles are usually sufficient to do the trick. Should you resolve to pluck feathers, that can add a little bit of time, however their small measurement makes for fast work.
6. Their meat is scrumptious and extremely nutritious. Quail meat is especially excessive in protein, calcium, iron, and zinc. Additionally it is an important supply of each Vitamin C and Vitamin A.