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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.

Quail is a delicacy.  The flesh tastes like sweet chicken. I cook ours in our Targine with a tomato based sauce. enjoy. Thank you quail.