Quail are much smaller than other domestic fowl, adults rarely reaching 400 grams
live weight. What they miss out on in size
they make up for in growth rate and fertility. The will start laying eggs when still under 3 months old, with the males so
sexually active that not too many should be kept with the females to prevent serious harm to them.
Eggs will hatch after only 18 days, best in an incubator but a lightweight silky hen will also do the job. When born they are
very small and feed-crumbs-size must be matched to their tiny beaks. They can be reared artificially in a carton with a light
bulb for warmth but will again do well under a small hen, too. Male quail have dark patches in their face (except in all white
birds) and make a strange loud sound once adult.
