Many enterprising people today began to breed quail. This business is very profitable, since the eggs of these birds are in great demand in the market because of their usefulness. The meat of this relatively recently domesticated bird is also considered extremely useful and tasty.
In addition, the content of quail is not so difficult for those who are familiar with poultry farming. And economically, it is even more profitable than, for example, raising chickens.
The most profitable is the maintenance and breeding of Japanese quail. It is this breed that gives the largest number of eggs per year - up to 300 pieces from one hen. Also, Japanese quail has the largest eggs.
Favorably distinguishes "Japanese" from chickens is the fact that in captivity they begin to rush at the age of one and a half months. Hens should grow almost a year and a half before they begin to give eggs to their owners. And ostriches even begin to lay eggs in two or even three years!
A high percentage of young hatchability and resistance to various diseases also “vote” for the content of quail. And the quail litter, which is an excellent fertilizer for garden plants, will also help the breeder.
However, this bird, in addition to all its advantages, has disadvantages. This is her rather low "intelligence" and timidity, as well as high heat loving. Therefore, the house where these "mini-chickens" will live should be well heated.
In addition, care should be taken to arrange quail “bathing day” at least once a week. Of course, you should not wash the birds with soap and water or shampoo. Simply put in a cage a stable bowl with river sand or a mixture of sand with wood ash. The most convenient will be a pallet with sides of 8 cm. The substrate for "bathing" should be poured from 4 cm.
So that sand during the “bird baths” does not crumble around, you can cover the container with the substrate on top of a box or a drawer, making them the entrance to the “bathhouse”.
Quail Content also provides for adherence to cleanliness in cells. To do this, it is recommended to put sand on the floor of the enclosure or to put thick paper. The litter should be changed daily, because the litter emits not only an unpleasant smell, but also gas harmful to the health of people and birds. And quail eggs are often not laid in nests, but directly on the floor.
At least once a week, the bird from the cages is transplanted to other places, freeing the bird housing for "general cleaning". The quartel’s “apartment” must not only be thoroughly washed with a brush, but also scalded.
Unlike chickens, these birds do not need perches, with the exception of the California breed. Therefore, speaking about what cells should be used for keeping quail, it is quite appropriate to note: any, even those that are designed not only for birds, but also for rodents or rabbits, are suitable.
By the way, quail can be kept in city apartments, of course, provided that you observe the necessary hygiene. True, you should refuse to put the cages on the windowsill or loggia, because a long stay of quail under direct sunlight causes them to peck eggs or each other. Fluctuations in temperature also affect the health of the birds not in the best way.
Quail do not like loneliness, quickly become attached to each other. Therefore, you should not separate those who have already "made friends" with each other so that the birds do not miss.
In one cage, you can place a fairly large number of quails. For good egg production, up to 120 individuals should be placed on one square meter. One male is isolated for 3-5 females - this increases egg production and gives a guarantee that all eggs will be fertilized.
The content of quail also requires that the daily light period was eighteen hours. In our area this can be achieved by making artificial lighting. Fluorescent lamps are quite suitable for these purposes . A slightly worse effect is obtained from conventional electric lamps.
You should also consider the humidity in the room where the quail live. It should be from 50 to 70 percent. If the plumage of the birds becomes brittle, and the quails themselves often sit disheveled and with their beaks open, then urgently wash the floor in the room, place basins and buckets of water around the bird cage, and spray water on the curtains. In this way, air humidity can be increased.
But do not forget: quail does not tolerate high humidity either. Therefore, it is very important not to overdo it.
Feeding quails is a bit different than feeding chickens. Whereas it is enough for chickens to give food twice a day, quails require “lunch” 3-4 times a day, at the same time.
In addition to grain components, they are vital for raw proteins: cottage cheese, fish or minced meat. Therefore, protein protein should be added to a normal bird feed at the rate of 2 grams per day per head. To a simple crushed grain mixture add 12 grams of protein food.
We must not forget about vitamin supplements. In addition to pharmacy vitamins, grated carrots and chopped greens are great for these purposes.
Like other types of birds, quail requires small gravel and crushed shell, which must be constantly poured into a separate bowl. You can use dried crushed eggshells.