Quail, especially the chicks, are quite sensitive to keep as they need a variety of diets. And to let you know, they prefer plant-based diets like seeds, leafy greens, veggies, insects, and other protein stuff. But will it be the same for the baby Quail?
What to Feed Quail Chicks? Quail chicks need extra protein to grow. For the first 7 to 8 weeks, give Quail chicks a starter feed with 30% protein and less than 1.5% calcium. After that, switch to a feed with 20 to 22% protein and 2 to 3% calcium, designed for grown Quails. Here, regular diet and supplements are included.
Read the article to learn how to feed your Quails and what food to offer them. Let’s see how miniature poultry benefits from diets!
Table of Contents
What To Feed Quail Chicks? When do Baby Quails Start Eating?
Raising and feeding Quail chicks is not a hassle when you know that they need starter feed at the beginning. Then, you can gradually change the diet from chick feed to supplementary foods.
Baby Quails don’t need food for the first 24 to 48 hours after hatching. During this time, they are nourished by the yolk sac they absorb before hatching. This gives their delicate digestive systems time to mature before handling food.
How Do You Feed and What Can You Feed Quail Chicks?
As you look for the diets for your Quail, here are the 4 options I am bringing for you!
1. Quail Chick Starter Feed
The commercial Quail chick starter feed or chick crumbs are specially crafted meals. Such foods are designed to give young Quails, which is the best during the start of life. They love to eat crumble feed the most. See the video to have a more clear understanding.
It typically contains around 25-30% protein, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and fats to support rapid growth and development.
Be sure to choose one specifically formulated for Quails rather than generic chick feed, as their protein needs are different.
According to my research and Mississippi State University Extension, the best pick is a game bird starter specifically for Quail. This is because chick starter typically lacks enough protein for these pint-sized powerhouses.
Also, you can include some other diets such as –
- Hard-boiled egg yolk, which is rich in protein and fat, is perfect for early days.
- Live or dried mealworms are good as they are free of protein for such poultries.
- Offering insects can also be healthy with high protein intake.
Note: If you keep Cuturnix Quail in your yard, it’s recommended to provide a diet with approximately 28% protein. If they receive only 19-20%, they may not thrive, and there’s a likelihood of losing some of them. It’s what was reported by Quail owners. So, I suggest getting the game bird feed.
2. Supplementing with Greens for Quail Chicks
Enhance the nutritional diversity of your Quail chicks’ diet by introducing finely chopped leafy greens. But what to feed?
- Lettuce: Romaine, butter lettuce, and even baby red leaf lettuce are soft and easy for chicks to peck at.
- Kale: Rich in vitamins and minerals, kale can be chopped finely or offered in small pieces.
- Spinach: Similar to kale, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse best served in small portions.
- Arugula: This peppery green adds a bit of variety and is packed with antioxidants.
- Collard greens: A Southern staple, collard greens are another vitamin and mineral powerhouse, best offered in small pieces.
But how do leafy greens benefit the Quail chicks?
Here are the nutrients available in leafy greens and the way they benefit the Quail’s health.
- Vitamins: Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and K, which are crucial for healthy eyes, immune function, and bone development.
- Minerals: Greens are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which support strong bones, muscle function, and blood health.
- Fiber: The fiber content in greens aids digestion and gut health, keeping your chicks feeling their best.
3. Ensure Quail Chicks Have Access to Freshwater
Maintaining proper hydration is key to the well-being of Quail chicks. Ensure there is a constant supply of fresh water within their reach. This is especially important during warmer periods to prevent dehydration.
Keep a shallow dish of clean, fresh water accessible at all times.
4. Homemade Baby Quail Food
Preparing homemade baby Quail food can be a rewarding experience! But how to make homemade baby Quail food?
- Add cooked egg yolk, chopped chicken or turkey, mealworms, or ground nuts to their food.
- Include greens like lettuce, kale, or spinach for vitamins and minerals.
- Keep it simple; don’t use spices, oils, or harmful additives.
- Crush dried mealworms into powder and sprinkle on their chick starter feed.
These blends can be something healthy that will surely gonna cheer the little bird up! You can also watch the video to get more ideas about feeding Quails.
What to Feed Quail Chicks At Different Stages of Their Development
You need to know what to feed and when to feed based on their age and time. So, I think this table will clarify your need.
| Stage | Age | Dietary Focus | Food Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings | 0-48 hours | No food needed | The yolk sac provides sustenance | Focus on hydration with fresh water. |
| Early Days | 48 hours – 2 weeks | High protein & easily digestible | Finely crumbled chick starter (25% protein), Hard-boiled egg yolk | Introduce gradually, small portions multiple times per day. |
| Growth Phase | 2-6 weeks | Continued high protein & additional nutrients | Game bird starter crumble (28-30% protein), Chopped greens (lettuce, kale), Mealworms | Offer fresh greens daily to control mealworm intake. |
| Transitioning to Adulthood | 6-12 weeks | Lower protein & balanced nutrition | Grower feed (20-24% protein), Continued greens, Occasional fruits & vegetables | Monitor and adjust protein levels based on purpose (egg laying or meat production). |
| Laying Hens | 12+ weeks | Calcium & nutrient-rich | Laying feed (18-20% protein), Greens, Oyster shells, Fresh fruits & vegetables | Ensure constant access to calcium sources for strong eggshells. |
| Breeding Pair | 12+ weeks | Balanced diet with a protein boost | Laying feed, Sprouted seeds & grains, Mealworms | Offer protein-rich treats to support breeding activity. |
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So, How Much do Quail Chicks Eat?
The amount a Quail chick eats depends on several factors. Here is an estimated daily food intake for baby Quails.
| Age | Estimated Daily Food Intake |
|---|---|
| Hatchlings (48 hours – 2 weeks) | 2-4 grams |
| Early Days (2-6 weeks) | 5-8 grams |
| Transitioning to Adulthood (6-12 weeks) | 8-11 grams |
| Laying Hens | 12-15 grams |
| Breeding Pair | 15-18 grams |
What Not to Feed Quail Chicks? 11 Food to Avoid!
Feeding your Quail chicks the right way is important. Here are things to avoid:
- No Avocado: Avocado is bad for them; it can make them sick.
- Say No to Caffeine: Don’t give them anything with caffeine; it’s not good for their nerves.
- Keep Chocolate Away: Chocolate has something called theobromine that’s bad for birds.
- Skip Citrus Fruits: Don’t feed them citrus fruits; the high acidity can upset their tummies.
- Watch out for Grape Seeds: Be careful with grapes; the seeds can be dangerous and might make them choke.
- No Meat or Animal Products: Quail chicks don’t eat meat, so avoid giving them any animal products.
- Steer Clear of Parsley: Parsley might mess with their nutrients, so it’s better not to give it to them.
- Avoid Rhubarb: Rhubarb leaves have something called oxalic acid that’s not good for birds.
- Limit Salty Foods: Too much salt is bad for them; it can make them dehydrated and sick.
- Say No to Sugary and Fatty Treats: Don’t give them treats with lots of sugar and fat; it can make them chubby and unhealthy.
- Keep Potatoes Cooked: Don’t give them raw potatoes; they have something called solanine that can make them sick.
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FAQs
Check the frequently asked questions to learn more about feeding little Quail chicks.
1. How often should I feed Quail chicks?
Feed them little and often, around 4-5 times a day, as they have small stomachs.
2. What if my Quail chicks aren’t eating well?
Pay attention to their behavior. If they seem lethargic or haven’t eaten in a while, consult a veterinarian.
3. Where can I get Quail-specific feeds?
Farm supply stores or online retailers selling poultry supplies likely have options.
Summarization
In conclusion, ensuring the well-being of your Quail chicks involves providing a diverse and balanced diet. This includes a specialized starter feed, protein-rich nutrition, a touch of greens, constant access to fresh water, and occasional homemade treats. I personally prefer to feed the starter game bird feed, as it’s what they need the most.
By giving your Quail chicks these foods, you help them stay healthy and happy as they grow. Remember to avoid the unhealthy ones to keep your feathered friends safe and growing well.
