2 Quietest Quail Breeds You Must Admire!
If you love calm birds, you must have quails in your backyard. Some Quail breeds are too quiet and calm. They are less messier compared to ducks and can serve a couple of purposes.
Now, what are the quietest Quail breeds? Quails are quiet by nature. So, there are plenty of quietest breeds for sure. But Button Quail and Japanese Courtnix are the quietest quail for me. Some of them are good for exhibition, some others for egg and meat production. Plus, they have a comparatively longer lifespan and are hardy.
I’ve picked two specific breeds to discuss in this article. Don’t mind if you find this article a little clumsy.
Table of Contents
Pick 1: Button Quail (Coturnix chinensis)
Say hello to Button Quail, scientifically named Coturnix chinensis. These tiny Quietest Quail Breeds are native to Asia, where they showcase a variety of colorful feathers with intricate designs.
Here’s the breed in a nutshell:
- Scientific Name: Coturnix chinensis
- Order: Galliformes
- Origin: China (Asian Region)
- Family: Phasianidae
- Varieties: Multiple color varieties
- Appearance: Small, ground-dwelling birds with intricate patterns
- Purpose: Pets, exhibition birds
- Distributions: Worldwide
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
- Adaptability: Hardy and less prone to illness
Personality Assessment
Button Quail has a personality that’s quite unique. They’re like the introverted folks at a social gathering, more into keeping a small circle of friends and enjoying the peace.
These birds aren’t adventurers; they prefer to stay close to home. They’re not the type to go on grand explorations or fly off on big adventures.
One of the most amazing things is they don’t belt out loud songs like some birds. Instead, they whisper softly with their chirps and calls, adding a touch of mystery to your surroundings.
This video might give you a good insight into Button quail breeds:
Mating, Breeding, And Reproduction
Quails usually mate between September and April. But, it’s the rainy reasons they prefer to mate while living in a dryland. So, when they’re in your backyard, expect to start mating in summer and spring.
| Region | Breeding Season | Clutch Size | Incubation Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | All year round | 4-6 | 12-14 days |
| Temperate | Spring and summer | 4-6 | 12-14 days |
| Dry Areas | Rainy season | 4-6 | 12-14 days |
These birds aren’t into fancy nests. They like to keep it simple by making nests on the ground in their enclosure. Nothing too extravagant.
The male and female take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. It takes at least 16 to 18 days for the eggs to hatch.
Business Value
They might not be the best for business, but they make wonderful pets and exhibition birds. Button Quail can be found all around the world, from Asia’s grasslands to homes everywhere. They are hardy little creatures, living 3 to 6 years and rarely falling sick.
Bright Sides of Button Quail
When it comes to the perks of Button Quail, think of charm and uniqueness. These little guys have a one-of-a-kind appearance that’s bound to catch your eye.
They’re delightful and add a friendly, interactive vibe to your space. Perfect for small living areas, they’re like the wonderful guests you’ve always wanted in your home.
The Flip Side
Now, let’s talk downsides. Due to their small size, Button Quail can be a bit weak. It’s like handling thin porcelain – you’ve got to be gentle.
These little buddies require careful handling. And they’re not your go-to for meat or egg production. So, it’s more about the charm than the farm with these cuties. Anyway, check your state’s laws; Coturnix quail may come with some specific regulations.
Interesting Things
- They have a distinct call that’s often mistaken for a cricket’s chirping.
- Button Quail is skilled in dust bathing to keep their feathers clean.
Pick 2: Coturnix Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Coturnix Quail, or Coturnix japonica, is another Asian gem. These plump and compact birds have earned their place in the avian world with their various color variations.
Here’s the breed in a nutshell:
- Scientific Name: Coturnix japonica
- Order: Galliformes
- Origin: Japan
- Varieties: Various color variations
- Appearance: Compact, plump birds
- Purpose: Eggs and meat production
- Distributions: Global
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
- Adaptability: Resilient birds
Personality Assessment
Coturnix quail do not crave attention but are always around, happy in their feathery group. They’re calm, especially the female ones are more calm. Also, they’re adaptable and surprisingly friendly with their fellow birds.
One of the Quail raisers said they’re very good learners. They can learn new tricks quite fast!
Here’s a video explaining how their living setup should be:
Mating, Breeding, And Reproduction
In spring, button quail pairs discreetly nest in the grass. The male’s subtle hooting signals their union. The female, once paired, creates a ground nest with up to 6 small white eggs.
After 16-18 days of incubation, the chicks hatch, showcasing the seamless beauty of button quail reproduction during the spring season.
Business Value
Coturnix quail aren’t just charming backyard residents and competent contributors in the eggs business. These little fellows are like the efficient employees of the aviary world. A single Coturnix quail can lay up to 300 eggs in a year. Now, that’s some severe productivity of a minor, feathered package.
According to some financial reports, the global egg market of Quails will increase by more than 50% in the next 5 years (Considering the time period 2021 – 2028). Now, look at the images that are given below:
From a financial perspective, it’s a budget-friendly venture. Coturnix Quail doesn’t demand a grand setup; a compact space can be their egg-laying headquarters.
Plus, their quick maturity and consistent egg production mean a steady return on investment.
Flip Sides of Raising Coturnix Quails
- Males can be chatterboxes, especially in summer, making noise day and night.
- Prepare for regular clean-ups; they have a talent for getting dirty.
- Check your state’s laws; Coturnix quail may come with some specific regulations.
- Escaped quails are a challenge to catch—think of them as speedy, miniature ostriches.
- Intelligence isn’t their strong suit; don’t expect genius-level moves.
- They can be a bit mean, not just to you but to their quail friends too. Watch out for some pecking-order drama!
Related Articles:
Interesting Facts
- Coturnix Quail has been bred for over a thousand years.
- These quails are known for their swift growth, reaching maturity quickly.
What should be the Diet of Such Quietest Quail Breeds?
Well, the diet is almost the same for all the Quails that are raised in the backyard. So, Just having an idea of what you should feed them would be handy.
Here’s a diet chart for backyard Quails.
| Food Group | Examples | Portion | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grains | Quail starter feed, millet, oats, wheat | 1-2 tbsp per quail | Daily |
| Proteins | Mealworms, crickets, chopped hard-boiled egg | 1-2 mealworms or crickets, 1/4 egg chopped | 2-3 times per week |
| Vegetables | Kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini | 1-2 tbsp per quail | Daily |
| Fruits | Grapes, berries, apples, melon cubes | 1-2 bites per quail | 2-3 times per week |
| Grit | Fine sand, coarse sand | 1 tsp per quail | Daily |
| Calcium | Crushed eggshells, oyster shell | 1 tsp per quail | 3 times per week |
| Treats | Unsalted popcorn, seeds, cracked nuts | 1-2 pieces per quail | 2-3 times per week |
Bottom Line
So, if you want an easygoing bird buddy with a unique vibe, these quiet quail breeds are a great choice. They bring a calm and special touch to your feathered crew.
Bottom Quails and Coturnix Quails are both quiet, friendly, and charming. However, Japanese Coturnix Quails has greater business value compared to Bottom Quails. You’ll have a better outcome from them than Bottom Quails. When you’re in the mood for some gentle bird company, think about inviting a quiet quail into your world.
Sources and References:
- https://watchbird-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/watchbird/index.php/watchbird/article/view/1412
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279476806
