Chicken Whisperer Spring 2025 | Page 7

Alternative Flock Quail Qualms
Alternative Flock Quail Qualms
Species
Coturnix Quail
Incubation Period( Days)
Temperature
17-18 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
Button Quail
16-17 Days
99.5 degrees
Fahrenheit( 37.5
degrees Celsius)
Northern Bobwhite Quail Mountain Quail
California Quail
Gambel’ s Quail
Blue Scale Quail
23-24 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
24-25 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
22-23 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
21-23 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
22-23 Days 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit( 37.5 degrees Celsius)
Mearn’ s Quail
27-28 Days
99.5 degrees
Fahrenheit( 37.5
degrees Celsius)
Humidity Range( Incubation)
Humidity Range( Lockdown)
Turning
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 14
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 14
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 20
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 21
50 %- 55 %
6 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 20
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 20
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 20
50 %- 55 %
65 %- 70 %
3 to 5 times
per day until
Day 25
Post-Hatch Care
Successful hatching is just the beginning. Proper post-hatch care is vital to transitioning chicks into thriving adults.
Brooder Setup: Maintain a brooder temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, gradually lowering by 5 degrees Fahrenheit each week. Provide non-slip bedding, such as paper towels or pine shavings.
Hydration First: Dip each chick’ s beak in water immediately after transferring them to the brooder to ensure they start drinking.
Nutrition: Provide high-protein gamebird starter feed( 24 % to 28 %) to support rapid growth. Supplement with vitamins or probiotics to promote gut health.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Temperature Fluctuations: Use a surge protector to guard against power outages and place the incubator in a stable environment away from drafts.
Low Hatch Rates: Review humidity, turning frequency and egg quality to pinpoint potential issues.
Sticky or Shrink-Wrapped Chicks: Ensure proper humidity during the lockdown phase to avoid hatching complications.
The Science Behind the Art
While incubation involves precise conditions, it’ s also a process that requires observation, patience and adaptability. Every batch of quail eggs teaches lessons that refine your approach and deepen your understanding of these fascinating birds.
By mastering the art and science of quail egg incubation, you can enjoy the rewards of a thriving quail flock while contributing to the preservation and appreciation of this unique species.
Ready to Hatch?
With these tips and techniques, you’ re well on your way to incubation success. Remember, every tiny chick that hatches is a testament to your care and dedication— a reward well worth the effort.
About the Author
Alexandra Doss has been working with poultry for over 18 years. Known as the Quail Lady, as Coturnix quail was her first specialty on her selective breeding operation, Stellar Game Birds, Poultry, Waterfowl LLC in Florida. She has written two books on Coturnix husbandry. She and her husband focus on breeding heritage animals and breed preservation.
Egg Turning: Preventing Developmental Issues
Turning eggs during incubation prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell membrane and promotes uniform development. Eggs should be turned a minimum of three times per day, ideally every four to six hours. Most modern incubators have automatic turning trays, a must for achieving consistent results. If hand-turning, mark one side of the egg to ensure even rotation. Cease turning on day 14( if Old World Quail).
Ventilation
Developing embryos require oxygen to expel carbon dioxide. Proper airflow in the incubator ensures that gas exchange occurs effectively. Ensure ventilation holes remain unobstructed throughout the incubation period. Avoid placing the incubator in poorly ventilated rooms or areas with strong odors, as embryos are sensitive to air quality. Increased airflow can lower humidity, so adjust accordingly.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Hatch Rates
Egg Selection: Choose eggs that are clean, uniform in size and free from cracks or deformities. Avoid excessively large or small eggs, as they often result in poor-quality chicks.
Pre-Incubation Storage: Store eggs pointed-end down at 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit with 70 % humidity for up to seven days. Rotate eggs daily to maintain viability. Avoid refrigerating eggs, as low temperatures can compromise the embryo.
Calibrating Equipment: Regularly calibrate thermometers and hygrometers( a device that measures humidity) to ensure accuracy. Small errors can have significant impacts over the incubation period. Test your incubator with infertile eggs or practice runs before starting a large batch.
Egg Candling: Candle eggs at day seven and day 14 to monitor embryo development and identify nonviable eggs. Remove infertile or dead eggs to reduce the risk of contamination.
Hatching Environment: During the lockdown period( days 15 to 17 for Coturnix quail), avoid opening the incubator to maintain stable humidity. Watch for external pipping( shell cracks) and ensure chicks have enough moisture to break through the shell.
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