Proper feeding and nutrient assurance are needed to have plenty of eggs from the Quails. To be specific, you need to know what exactly to feed for eggs, right?
Now, what to Feed Quail for Laying Eggs? The best diet for laying quail consists of high-protein feeds like insects, grains, and legumes. You can also offer greens that provide important vitamins and minerals. Most importantly, ensure they have 20 to 24% of protein content with 10% fiber.
To know exactly what diets to include for more egg production, go a little more. I’ve included every single detail a quail owner should know!
Table of Contents
What To Feed Quail For Laying Eggs? 5 Key Nutrients for Laying Quails
I already said the quails need nutrient-rich diets to lay more eggs. It can be commercial feed, greens, vegetables, fruits, insects, and more.
Before we delve into the diets, let me clarify the nutrients from the food your quail may crave!
1. Protein: Building Blocks for Eggs and Health
Protein is like a superhero for quails, helping them make eggs, grow strong muscles, and stay healthy. It’s best to have 18-20% protein in their food. According to some experts, 24-28% protein with extra things like oyster shell or cuttlebone when they start laying eggs!
2. Calcium: The Eggshell Defender
Calcium is like armor for eggshells, making them strong. Aim for 2.75% calcium in their food. You can also give them crushed oyster shells or limestone as a special treat to keep their calcium levels high.
3. Phosphorus: Bone Builder and Egg Helper
Phosphorus is like the builder of bones and eggs. Quails need 0.5 to 0.65% phosphorus in their diet to grow strong. It’s another important ingredient for their healthy life.
4. Methionine: The Egg Maker’s Assistant
Methionine is like a helper for making eggs. Quails need 0.45% methionine in their food for egg production. It’s a special ingredient that supports the process of creating eggs.
5. Vitamins and Minerals: Super Fuel for Overall Health
Quails need more than just protein and calcium. They also need vitamins and minerals for good health. Look for special quail food that has all these things in the right balance. It’s like giving them super fuel for their well-being!
What to Feed Laying Quail? Commercial and Supplement Feed Are Required Must!
Laying quail needs a specific diet to maintain their health and optimize egg production. Here’s an overview of what to feed them:
Commercial Quail Feed for Laying Quail
This is the foundation of their diet and comes in various options based on the quail’s age:
- Starter: For chicks (0-6 weeks), high in protein (18-20%) for growth and development.
- Grower: For growing quail (6-16 weeks), balanced for continued growth and feather development.
- Layer: For laying quail (16+ weeks), higher in calcium (2.75%) for strong eggshells and other egg-supporting nutrients.
- Organic: Available for those seeking a natural option, but ensure it meets all nutritional requirements.
Homemade Quail Feed for Laying Eggs
Many people prefer commercially prepared quail feed for its safety and convenience. However, homemade quail feed is just as safe and convenient.
Here’s a fundamental guide for preparing homemade quail feed for laying quails.
What Ingredients Do You Need? 5 Essential Items!
Here are the things that you need –
Grains: Form the bulk of the feed, providing essential carbohydrates for energy. Examples include:
- Cracked corn (30-40%)
- Millet (20-30%)
- Wheat (20-30%)
- Oats (10-20%)
Protein Sources: Supply crucial amino acids for growth and egg production. Examples include:
- Soybean meal (20-25%)
- Fish meal (5-10%)
- Alfalfa meal (5-10%)
Calcium Source: Vital for sturdy eggshells. Options include:
- Crushed oyster shells (2-3%)
- Limestone (2-3%)
Vitamin and Mineral Premix: Provides essential micronutrients. Obtain a pre-mixed poultry vitamin and mineral supplement. Add it per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Grit: Aids in digestion and supports eggshell formation. Provide crushed oyster shells or commercial grit.
How to Prepare?
- Grind the grains for easier digestion.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and ensure an even distribution of all components.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
5 Tips Before Feeding Homemade Quail Feed
- Start with a small batch, and this allows for experimentation and recipe adjustments.
- Test the feed on your quail and observe their health, egg production, and signs of deficiencies.
- Adjust the recipe based on your quail’s needs. I mean, consider factors like age, season, and egg production.
- Use clean equipment and ingredients to prevent contamination.
- Monitor your quail’s health closely to see if health issues arise. If you find problems, consult a veterinarian or poultry expert.
Supplemental Feeding for Laying Quail
While commercial feed is the core, supplements provide additional nutrients and variety:
- Fresh Greens: Offer chopped lettuce, spinach, kale, or other leafy vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
- Grit: This aids digestion and helps form eggshells. Provide crushed oyster shells or commercial grit.
- Treats: You can offer a limited amount of fruits like berries and grapes. Chopped veggies are also a good enrichment for quails.
- Water: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Some Other Tips To Include for Laying Quails
Here are the additional tips you can follow –
- Control treat portions to maintain a balanced nutritional intake.
- Establish a consistent feeding routine to meet their dietary needs.
- Adjust feeding amounts based on their egg-laying cycles.
- Adjust their diet if needed and be aware of any potential nutritional deficiencies.
However, see the video for a better understanding of feeding quail for laying eggs.
12 Things to Avoid Feeding to Layer Quail
Quail are pretty easygoing eaters, but there are some foods you should avoid to keep them safe and well. Here’s a list:
- Crispy Snacks: Some snacks like crisps, chips, and pretzels have a lot of salt. Eating too much salt can make quail very thirsty, give them kidney problems, or even be really bad for them.
- Food with Seasonings: Quail shouldn’t eat foods with lots of salt, pepper, or spices. These can upset their tummy and cause health problems.
- Fried Treats: Yummy foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings are not so good for quail. They have too much fat and can make quail too heavy. Ultimately, these foods give them a sick liver and cause other health problems.
- Fatty Meats (Bacon, Sausage, Ham): Stay away from giving quail fatty meats. These can give them tummy troubles and lead to heart issues.
- Dairy Products (Cheese, Yogurt): While some people give quail cheese or yogurt, it’s better to skip it. These can make quail’s tummies upset, especially if they can’t handle lactose.
- Avocado: Quail should stay away from avocados. The pit and skin have a toxin that can be very harmful to them.
- Chocolate: Quail shouldn’t eat chocolate. It contains theobromine. This can cause seizures or heart problems.
- Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Other Caffeinated Drinks): Even a little caffeine is a no-no for quail. It can be bad for them.
- Alcohol: Quail should never have alcohol. It’s dangerous for them and can even lead to really bad things.
- Mouldy Food: If the food has mold, it’s a big “no” for quail. Mold can have things that make quail sick.
- Garden Cuttings (Plants with Pesticides): Don’t give quail plants with chemicals. It can hurt them. Stick to organic stuff.
- Raw Meat: Quail shouldn’t eat raw meat. It can have things that make them sick. Always cook it first!
Recommended Article: What To Feed Quail Chicks
Bottom Line
So, what to feed Quail for laying eggs? Keeping your quail healthy and laying lots of eggs is all about giving them good food. Make sure they eat a mix of special quail food, fresh greens, and a little extra grit to help their tummies. Besides, a little tasty treat like fruits is a wise way for their development.
Remember to change what they eat based on how old they are, the time of year, and how many eggs they’re making. However, make sure you offer them the right food and avoid diets that are red-zoned.
