What Vegetables Do Quails Eat? 9 Safe Veggies They Love!

When taking care of little quails, give them a good diet with fruits and veggies. Veggies, especially, help them grow fast and make more meat and eggs. So, a good point for poultry owners!

But what Vegetables to feed Quails? You can give quails leafy lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and more vegetables. But don’t give them rhubarb, tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, or other veggies from the nightshade family. They are completely toxic!

Check the article for more details about vegetables as part of the quail diet. You’ll know everything your curious mind may ask for to grow your Quail ideally!

What Vegetables Do Quails Eat? Safe And Unsafe Veggies for Quails!

Quails are omnivores with a taste for a range of vegetables. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are excellent choices.

But initially, seeds and grains form the base of their diet. Incorporating vegetables is a booster for their health. However, not all veggies are equally good. So, choosing the safe options can be tricky.

No worries! Here is my list of safe and unsafe vegetables for Quails.

9 Safe Vegetable Types to Feed Quails

Quails are omnivorous birds with a wide range of dietary requirements. So,  including vegetables in their diet is a great option for their overall health.

Here is a list of safe vegetables that you can offer to your quails:

1. Leafy Greens

Spinach has lots of iron, plus vitamins A, C, and K. Kale is also full of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

2. Romaine or Green Leaf Lettuce

Such greens are low in calories and add variety. Both romaine and green leaf lettuce are healthy additions to a pet bird’s diet. Quails also enjoy eating leafy greens, such as lettuce, clover, peas, and celery.

3. Herbs With Flavor

Parsley is an ideal herb option with rich vitamins. Basil is good as it has antibacterial properties and is used for mucus membrane health. Dill has antioxidant properties and is used for respiratory health. It can also contribute to as a sedative and relaxant.

4. Root Vegetables

Sweet Potatoes are good for quails—rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber. Turnips offer a crunchy treat, supplying vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

Both enhance the quail’s health and immune system.

I like to feed Beets to my Quails. These vibrant beauties are loaded with vitamins A, C, and B6. Besides, folic acid and manganese, support cell health and digestion as well. 

Also, quails will jump over on carrots with plenty of health benefits.

5. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Also, cauliflower contains essential nutrients and adds variety to the diet.

6. Different Legumes

Legumes are an excellent addition to a quail’s diet. You can offer peas as they’re rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Cooked Beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, are the best picks. They are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Lentils are a great source of protein, iron, and fiber. They offer a nutrient-dense option for quails.

Chickpeas are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a healthy and satisfying treat for quails.

Cooked soybeans are a complete protein source, containing essential amino acids. They also provide healthy fats and vitamins.

7. Bell Peppers

Red, green, and yellow peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. So, offering such peppers won’t be any trouble for your quails.

According to ScienceDirect, the use of red pepper oil in quail diets affects:

• Performance
• Carcass measurements
• Intestinal microbiota
• Antioxidant indices
• blood constituents and Immunity.

8. Healthy Squash

Zucchini is low in calories and a source of vitamins. Also, cucumber slices provide hydration and a crunchy treat. So, why not feed some occasionally? Go and give some in the yard!

9. Corn With Carbs

Cooked corn kernels are a good source of carbohydrates. But uncooked corn contains unhealthy facts that medical experts say. Corn usually gets contaminated by fungi and develops mycotoxin. So, we suggest the cooked corn.

7 Category or Type of Vegetables to Avoid for Quails

Quails can eat many veggies, but it’s important to know which ones can harm them. Here is a list of vegetables to avoid feeding to your quails:

1. Onions and Garlic

Both contain compounds that can be toxic to quails and may lead to digestive issues.

2. Raw Potatoes

Potatoes contain solanine, a naturally occurring toxin. It can be harmful to quails if not cooked properly.

3. Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic to quails and may lead to health issues. According to ResearchGate, Oxalate poisoning can be fatal and anti-nutrients.

4. Tomato Leaves and Stems

Ripe tomatoes, in moderation, are generally safe. But the leaves and stems contain tomatine, which can be harmful.

5. Eggplants

Some birds may have sensitivities to certain compounds in eggplants. So, it’s best to avoid feeding them to quails.

6. Dried or Raw Beans

Raw beans contain lectins and other substances that can be harmful. Ensure that any beans offered to quails are thoroughly cooked.

7. Mushrooms

Some mushrooms can be toxic. So, it’s best to avoid offering it to quails. Plus, it’s possible that your quail may encounter toxic mushrooms while foraging. So, monitor them when they’re outside.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegetables for Quails

Adding a variety of veggies to your quail’s diet brightens your day with extra nutrients. Here is my personal preference and the best vegetables that I always prefer to feed my flock of Quails.

Category	Vegetable	Contains essential minerals like potassium and manganese for various bodily functions.
Leafy Greens	Romaine and Green Leaf Lettuce	Abundant Vitamin A and K for strong bones and good vision.
		Excellent source of folate for healthy feather development.
		Packed with dietary fiber for digestive health.
		High in potassium for nerve and muscle function.
Herbs With Flavor	Parsley, Basil, and Dill	Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene to boost immunity.
		Provide essential minerals like iron and calcium for growth and bone health.
		Contains volatile oils that can aid digestion and promote gut health.
		Add a burst of flavor to encourage varied food intake.
Root Vegetables	Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, and Carrots	High in Vitamin A and beta-carotene for vibrant plumage and vision.
		Rich source of dietary fiber for digestive well-being.
		Offer Vitamin K for strong bones and blood clotting.
		Contains dietary fiber and glucosinolates for gut health and detoxification.
Cruciferous Vegetables	Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage	Packed with cancer-fighting sulforaphane and antioxidants.
		Rich in Vitamin C and K for immune system support and bone health.
		Peas, Green Beans, and Lentils
		Offer essential minerals like potassium and calcium for various bodily functions.
Different Legumes	Peas, Green Beans and Lentils	Excellent source of plant-based protein for muscle growth and repair.
		Offer dietary fiber for digestive health and satiety.
		Provide essential minerals like iron and potassium for energy production and nerve function.
		Rich in B vitamins for overall metabolic function.
Bell Peppers	Red, Yellow, and Orange	Abundant in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant to boost immunity.
		Contains vitamin A and beta-carotene for healthy vision and plumage.
		Good source of dietary fiber for gut health and satiety.
		Offer essential minerals like potassium and manganese for various bodily functions.
Healthy Squash	Zucchini, Butternut Squash and Acorn Squash	Packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein for eye health.
		Rich in dietary fiber for digestive well-being and satiety.
		Contains vitamin K and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. They are better for various bodily functions.
		Offer a unique, sweet flavor that quails typically enjoy.
Corn With Carbs	Fresh Corn Kernels, Frozen Corn, and Popcorn Kernels	Provide a good source of energy-boosting carbohydrates.
		Offer dietary fiber for digestive health and satiety.
		Contain Vitamin B1 and B6 for the nervous system function and metabolism.

Note: Limit corn due to its higher starch content and lower nutritional value compared to other veggies. However, take a look at the video for some additional knowledge.

Tips for Feeding Vegetables to Quails

So, you heard about the safe and unsafe vegetables for your Quail.  But how to feed and what are the tips to include besides their regular diet? Here are the guidelines for you!

How to Prepare Vegetables for Quails?

This is how you should prepare to feed some fresh vegetables to such little creatures. Check the following section!

1. Rinse all vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt, pesticides, and any unwanted surprises. Chopping them into smaller pieces makes them easier for quails to peck at.
2. Offer a mix of different vegetables daily to ensure a balanced diet. It keeps your quails’ taste buds entertained. Leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous options are all excellent choices.
3. While veggies are essential, they shouldn’t replace seeds and grains, the core of a quail’s diet. Aim for veggies to be around 10-20% of their overall food intake. I mean, moderation is key!
4. When introducing new vegetables, offer them in small amounts. Monitor your quails for any unusual reactions like digestive upset or decreased appetite.

How to Serve Veggies to Quails?

Here is how you should serve vegetables to your quails –

1. You can mimic their natural foraging instincts. But how? Just by scattering chopped vegetables around their enclosure. This encourages movement and enrichment while they hunt for their crunchy treats.
2. How about hiding chopped greens in their feed? Or place sliced veggies in various corners of their habitat? It’ll be a surprise and excitement to their mealtime routine.
3. On hot days, offer frozen vegetables like peas or cucumbers. It’ll be a refreshing and hydrating snack. Just thaw them slightly before serving.

Vegetables As a Treat for Quail Based on 3 Purpose: How Much to Feed?

Vegetables are nutritious treats for chickens, ducks, and quails. But you need to know how much to feed based on your purpose. So, here is a guideline –

1. Commercial Quails

Focus on veggies rich in vitamin A and calcium. For example, kale, turnip greens, and broccoli boost egg quality and shell strength. Aim for 1-2 extra bites per day.

Quails raised for meat can benefit from vegetables, promoting growth and muscle development. Offer treats like peas, sweet potatoes, and corn kernels. It should be slightly larger, with 3-4 bite portions.

2. Pet Quails

Veggie treats are enrichment treasures! Get creative with frozen peas, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. Keeping the portions in the 1-2 bite range is OKAY. Consider occasional fruit or sprout treats for variety.

3. Ornamental Quails

Treat them like feathered gourmands! A wider variety of veggies in 1-2 bite portions can add enrichment and keep them entertained. Experiment with colorful options like bell peppers and squash for visual appeal.

However, seek advice from animal experts or veterinarians for feeding guidance.

Should I Feed Cooked Vegetables or Uncooked Ones to Quails?

Quails can consume both cooked and uncooked vegetables. However, the choice between the two depends on various factors. Here are considerations for feeding cooked and uncooked vegetables to quails:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Feeding Uncooked Vegetables

Check the good and bad facts about uncooked or raw veggies for quails –

Advantages

• Raw vegetables offer the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Crunchy textures can be stimulating and enriching for quails, encouraging natural foraging behaviors.
• Simply wash and chop the veggies. No cooking is required.

Disadvantages

• Certain vitamins, like beta-carotene in carrots, are better absorbed by quails when cooked.
• Raw vegetables can be harder to digest for some quails. It leads to digestive upset.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Feeding Cooked Vegetables

Here are the good and bad facts about cooked veggies –

Advantages

• Cooking can make certain nutrients more readily available for your quails.
• Cooked vegetables are easy to digest for the younger quails.
• Different cooking methods can add new flavors and textures, potentially enticing picky eaters.

Disadvantages

• Certain vitamins, especially vitamin C, can be lost during cooking.
• Cooked vegetables with added salt, spices, or oils can be harmful to quails.

Proper Feeding Suggestions

1. Check to see both cooked and uncooked options. See what your quails prefer and ensure they get a range of nutrients.
2. When cooking, opt for steaming, boiling, or lightly stir-frying to minimize nutrient loss.
3. Steer clear of canned or commercially cooked vegetables. It’s the veggies might contain unwanted additives.
4. Observe their appetite, digestion, and activity. It’s crucial right after introducing new vegetables, cooked or uncooked.

Recommended Readings:

• What To Feed Quail For Laying Eggs
• What To Feed Quail Chicks
• Can Quails Eat Strawberries
• Can Quails Eat Bananas

Bottom Line

In conclusion, it’s crucial to know “What vegetables do quails eat.” This is because of their well-being, whether as pets or for commercial purposes. Giving them various veggies, as experts suggest, keeps quails healthy and happy.

So, be sure you don’t offer the avoided vegetables in their diet list. They should eat vegetables as a part of their balanced diet but not as a daily dose. It’s better as an occasional treat, and keep the moderate amount in mind.