Italian Silver Quail Breed – A Prolific Egg Layer!
Originating in Italy, the Italian Silver Quail Breed is popular for its distinctive silver feathers that have captured the attention of aviculturists. Aside from beauty, these quails are prized for their availability for poultry purposes. Plus, their capacity to adapt and survive in a variety of settings.
They have fascinating behavioral characteristics, which makes them a great option for aviculturists of all skill levels. Italian silver quails are a lovely opportunity to discover the fascinating world of avian friendship.
So, whether as a pet or for poultry purposes, you’re good to go for this breed. To have more insight, spending 2 more minutes will be worth it!
Table of Contents
Italian Silver Quail Breed Profile
The Italian Silver Quail birds are quite popular and gained fame due to their egg-laying capacity. If you’re about to get flocks of such breeds, check out the given profile.
| Aspects | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coturnix coturnix |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Origin | Italy |
| Varieties | Italian Silver (distinctive silver plumage) |
| Size And Weight | Male: Length: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) |
| Male: Weight: 4-5 ounces (113-142 grams) | |
| Female: Length: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) | |
| Female: Weight: 5-6 ounces (142-170 grams) | |
| Purpose | Ornamental, eggs layer, and meat production |
| Distributions | Worldwide |
| Reproduction | Mature early and prolific egg layers |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years |
| Adaptability | Adaptable to different environments |
History And Location Of Italian Silver Quail Breed
Quails have been domesticated for over 4,000 years. The Italian Silver Quail was created for the production of meat and eggs. The Italian Silver Quail is among the many modern quail breeds that are believed to have descended from the Chinese quail.
Italian Silver Quails have become more well-known all across the world, beyond their original geographic range. Their remarkable look, versatility, and captivating behaviors entice aviculturists from all continents.
What Is The Physical Appearance of Italian Silver Quail Breed?
Characterized by a striking silver plumage, the Italian Silver Quail is visually distinctive. These small quails exhibit intricate feather patterns, with males and females displaying slight variations in size.
On average, they measure 6-8 inches in length and weigh 4-6 ounces, as I mentioned in the table. Their compact size, coupled with the captivating silver coloration, makes them a visually appealing addition to any aviary. Take a look!
Italian Silver Quail Breed Personality
Italian Silver Quails are known for their sociable and engaging personalities. They often form close-knit communities within their enclosures, displaying playful behaviors and delightful vocalizations.
However, whether as a pet or for poultry purposes, they will be an excellent choice with an amazing personality.
Reproduction And Breeding Of Italian Silver Quail Breed
They are known for their reproductive efficiency, making them valuable for those interested in quail breeding. With proper care and a conducive environment, these quails can contribute to a sustainable and thriving flock. It’s because they mature too fast and provide plenty of eggs.
How To Breed Italian Silver Quail?
If you’re interested in breeding Silver Quail, it’s important to have sufficient knowledge about these birds.
According to poultry experts, if you want mostly gold offspring, you should cross your Manchurian male with two Pharaoh hens to get a pure Italian breed. Although some of these offspring may have speckles like the Italian breed, they will still be mostly Manchurian.
So, How Many Eggs Do Italian Silver Quail Lay?
Italian Silver Quail is well-known for producing an abundance of eggs, much like other Coturnix quail. An Italian Silver Quail hen that is kept in good health can lay 200–300 eggs a year on average.
Which Color Eggs Do Italian Silver Quail Lay?
Italian Silver Quail eggs can be different colors, although they are usually tan or light brown with darker specks. Usually, quail eggs are distinguished by their distinctive look and are frequently smaller than chicken eggs.
What Purpose Does Italian Silver Quail Serve the Best for?
The Italian Silver Quail serves a multifaceted purpose in aviculture.
- Egg Production: Beyond their ornamental value due to the distinctive silver plumage, egg production is a gift! They are considered the most egg-laying quail of all time, as Italian Silver Quail birds can give approximately 320 eggs.
- Ornamental Purpose: Such quail breeds have a unique look, and silvery feathers look totally different. So, we take it for exhibition or show as an ornamental bird.
- Meat Production: In certain cases, they may be raised for their meat, although their primary appeal often lies in their aesthetic and practical qualities.
- Backyard Pal: Some enthusiasts also appreciate such quail for their small size, making them suitable for backyard flocks.
Backyard Suitability Of Italian Silver Quail Breed
Italian Silver Quails are well-suited for backyard settings. Their compact size, adaptability, and sociable nature make them ideal for small-scale poultry enthusiasts.
They thrive in confined spaces and are relatively easy to care for. Plus, their friendly nature makes them a popular choice for those looking to keep quails in an urban environment.
How To Raise Italian Silver Quail Breed? 5 Things To Follow!
Raising Italian Silver Quail is needs some fulfillment. To know the tips, follow the guidelines I’m including for such a small quail breed.
1. Proper Housing
Italian Silver quails are relatively small, so you can keep them in a specially designed quail coop or cage. Ensure the coop or cage has adequate ventilation. Also, provide a solid floor or use a wire mesh with small openings to prevent injury to their feet.
2. Enough Space
Provide at least 1 square foot of space per bird. Make sure the coop or cage has enough space for them to move around comfortably. You need to install nesting boxes for egg-laying.
3. Proper Nutrition
Feeding your quail enough nutrition is crucial for their faster growth in the poultry farm. But what do they need? To maintain good health, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Use a commercial quail feed that is specifically formulated for quail. Quail starter feed is recommended for young quail, and layer feed is suitable for mature layers. Also, they prefer scratch grains, millet, or milo.
Besides, ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water. Use shallow water containers to prevent drowning. Giving calcium supplements won’t be a bad idea.
4. Proper Care
Italian Silver Quail are relatively easy to care for, but a few steps are necessary for their health and happiness.
- You will need to clean their housing regularly.
- Check their food and water daily to make sure it is fresh.
- It is also important to trim their nails regularly. You can do this with a pair of small scissors or nail clippers.
5. Breeding Time
Italian Silver Quail reaches sexual maturity at around 6 weeks old. However, it is best to wait until they are at least 12 weeks old before breeding them.
To breed Italian Silver Quail, you will need a male and female bird. You can place them in a breeding pen together. The breeding pen should be at least 4 square feet per quail.
The female quail will lay eggs in the nesting box. She will lay one egg per day for about 10 days. The incubation period for quail eggs is 17 days.
Once the eggs have hatched, the quail chicks will need to be kept warm and fed. You can use a heat lamp to keep them warm. You can feed them a commercial quail feed or a chick starter feed.
Pros And Cons of Having Italian Silver Quail Breed
Raising and keeping quail birds is not any task like joining the war. Maybe maintaining a poultry farm is a little challenging, if you have a passion for it, you’ll get plenty of benefits. However, look at the good and bad about such breeds.
4 Pros Of Italian Silver Quail Breed
- Aesthetically pleasing with distinctive silver plumage.
- Prolific egg layers contribute to a sustainable flock.
- Sociable and engaging, forming close-knit communities.
- Well-suited for backyard settings due to their small size.
2 Cons Of Italian Silver Quail Breed
- May require protection from predators due to their small size.
- Attention to proper housing and nutrition is essential for optimal well-being.
4 Interesting Facts About Italian Silver Quail Breed:
- The Italian Silver Quail is often referred to as the “Coturnix Quail.”
- They have great adaptability in various climates and environments.
- Despite their small size, Italian Silver Quails are known for their resilient and hardy nature.
- Their captivating vocalizations and playful interactions are quite attractive, which quail owners have found.
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FAQs
To get more facts about Silver Quail Breed, check out the frequently asked questions.
Q. Are there any differences between Italian Silver Quail and Coturnix Quail?
The Italian Silver Quail is a rare kind of breed of Coturnix Quail species. Coturnix Quail has a wild-type coloration like brown and buff plumage. On the other hand, Italian Silver Quails are predominantly silver.
However, there are other color variations of Coturnix Quail, such as:
1. Golden Quail
2. Tibetan Quail
3. Tuxedo Quail
Q. Does Italian Silver Quail need a specific temperature range?
Italian Silver quails can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they require shelter from extreme conditions. It is best to keep them in an environment with temperatures ranging between 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C).
Final Words
Well, the Italian Silver Quail Breed is a popular character all over the world. It’s because of being an ornamental bird as well as for their egg-laying ability. Besides, they’re good for backyard setting and meat production. Surprisingly, they’re actually a silver version of Coturnix Quail.
However, you need to fulfill their demands when on a poultry farm. They are prone to get attacked by the predators. As such, breeds are small in size, and you may keep plenty; ensure they have space to be comfortable.
Sources & References:
- https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/P2383_web.pdf
- https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/national-avian-research-facility/avian-resources/poultry-lines/japanese-quail
