Green Urban Living- living the good life in my backyard: From this, to this to this.....

Japanese quail are born after around 16 days of incubation. Because these quail have been domesticated for so many years they rarely go broody and sit on their eggs. A incubator is required to hatch the eggs.

When the quail hatch they are the size of a large bumble bee. they tot ta around on unsteady legs. I feed them chick crumbles. It is important to keep them warm in a brooder and ensure that they can't drown in their water bowl. I use a jar lid with pebbles in it. Keep them in the brooder for the first three weeks. By this time they are fully fledged and can be moved outside into a small hutch if the weather is warm.

The quail are mature in six weeks. The hens will start laying in 7-8 weeks. The male has a dark ring of feathers around his head. It looks like a headband from the 70's. The male also makes a thrilling call. It is best to house one male to about 4-5 females. Don't keep males together as they will fight. They require a high protein diet of around 20% to lay well. they don't require a lot of space. I keep mine on my balcony in a modified rabbit run. The hens will lay an egg most days.

Killing is never fun but it is easy with a quail .I use garden shears to cut off their head. Plucking only takes a few minutes. It is best to do this when the body is still warm as the feathers come out easier. Gut and rest the bird in a salt brine solution in the fridge for 24 hours before eating.