In the past few years, Wachtelzucht has been a profitable and Quail farming business for rural and city farmers. Quail is small and low-cost, and very quickly aged, cool, providing the ideal option for anyone willing to defy small poultry breeding at little investment and rapid payoff.
Why Quail Farming?
Quail, particularly Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), has a fast growth rate, early maturity, and high egg production. Below, Wachtelzucht:
- There are a few reasons why you should think about your dream requirements for Wachtelzucht: Quail, compared to chickens and ducks, needs less space, thus being appropriate for farming and back yard urban situations.
- High Reproduction Rate: Mature female quail can lay between 300 eggs per annum.
- Short maturity age: Quails mature enough to produce eggs at 6–7 weeks.
- Low cost of feed: Quails eat lesser feed than chickens but produce high-value products.
- High-quality meat and eggs: The meat of the quails is lean and nutritious, and the eggs contain high protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How to Begin Raising Quails
The following is what you should know about raising quails:
Housing and Equipment
Quails may be reared in cages or deep litter systems. They should be housed in well-ventilated, predator-proof houses that are easy to clean.
- They should have feeders and drinkers.
- Housed at ideal temperatures (optimal temperature is 18–25°C).
- Given 14–16 hours of light to achieve highest egg production.
A 3 feet x 2 feet cage can comfortably take 20 quails.
Breeds
The most commercially popular breed is the Japanese quail because of its productivity. Other breeds are:
- Bobwhite quail
- Coturnix quail
- Button quail (for ornamental purposes only)
Feeding
Quails love a protein-rich diet. A balanced quail feed includes:
- 22–28% protein (for growing and laying quails)
- Calcium and phosphorus for egg production
- Clean water at all times
You can use commercial quail feed or prepare your own using maize, soybean meal, fishmeal, vitamins, and minerals.
Health and Biosecurity
Though generally robust, quails may be susceptible to ordinary poultry illness if poorly kept. Mainly tips are to:
- Keep the surroundings clean and dry
- Disinfect equipment and cages on a regular basis
- Keep sick birds in quarantine so as to limit disease transmission
- Vaccinate according to standards in your location
Marketing and Profitability
There is increased demand for quail products by restaurants, supermarkets, and health food homes. Sell:
- Fresh eggs of quail
- Day-olds
- Dressed meat
- Stock for breeding
With low initial capital and high turnover, quail farming can be profitable in a few months after commencement.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a new farmer wanting to try your toes in the water when it comes to poultry farming or an old farmer who wants to diversify, quail farming can be a lucrative avenue. A small flock with the right care can become a reliable source of food and income. With increasing consumer interest in high-protein, organic foods, now is the ideal time to get into raising these tiny birds.