Day 11

Quail hatching today.  Started with 50 eggs in the incubator.  We candled then at day 14 to see how many were fertile.  We had 34 that were good.  First one hatched at 16 days 9 hours.  So far we have 15 that have hatched and one just about out of shell.  Most all will hatch by day 18.

The quail start laying eggs at 7 to 8 weeks old vs a chicken that starts laying at around 20 weeks.

To me quail are a great addition to a homestead due to small foot print and great egg and meat production.  For example:  We are on a third of an acre lot in a subdivision and have over 100 quail.  I need to put 40 roosters in the smoker or freezer.  Last night I got 39 eggs which equals about 8 chicken eggs. 

Quail tractor.

 

 



Quail in incubator.

 



Quail in brooder.