The first few weeks matter most when it comes to feeding quail chicks. This is when you lay the foundation for how the chicks develop and keep growing.
Quail chicks grow fast. Japanese quail, one of the fastest developing species, reach sexual maturity after 6–8 weeks. That is why they need feed with a high protein content.
Protein is essential for feather growth and for the development of muscles, organs and the immune system.
What nutrition do quail chicks need?
Many sources recommend 26–28 % protein during the first weeks. Newer research shows that chicks often do just as well on 22–24 %, as long as the rest of the feed is balanced with the right amounts of energy, vitamins and minerals.
In practice that means you should pick a chick starter or a special quail feed with at least 22 % protein and no more than 1 % calcium.
How to read the feed bag: Look for "crude protein" and "calcium" in the declaration. Calcium should stay below 1 % for chicks. Crude protein should be at least 22 %.
Recommended feed for quail chicks
Fryd Kylling from Felleskjøpet contains 23 % protein and 0.79 % calcium, which makes it suitable as feed for quail chicks. Look for a chick starter with a similar declaration wherever you buy your feed.
You can in principle use the same type of feed throughout their whole life, but there are also feeds developed specifically for the different life stages.
Read also How to choose the right feed for quails.
How to teach the chicks to eat and drink
Chicks learn by copying.
Use your finger and tap gently in the feed. It mimics what the mother hen would have done, and it sparks their curiosity.
The feed you buy usually comes as pellets. They are on the large side for quail chicks, so crush the feed into a powder during the first weeks.
You can moisten it so it turns into a porridge. That can make it easier for the chicks to eat.
Show them the water by tapping it with your finger, or dip the beak carefully into the water. Just be careful not to drown them!
Read also: How to prevent quail chicks from drowning.
Challenges that can come up
There can be several reasons why a chick is not eating or drinking.
First of all, it may have a congenital defect you cannot see, meaning it is simply not properly developed on the inside. Quail chicks develop quickly, so after a few days you will see which ones are not growing at the same pace as the rest.
Keep an extra close eye on those, and show them the food. But be prepared that not all of them will make it, and that some of it is out of your hands.
If it is warm and cosy under the heat plate but cold elsewhere in the brooder, the chicks will stay under the plate to keep warm. Raise the temperature in the rest of the brooder, or move the food under the heat plate where they spend their time.
Make sure they always have a little light. They need rest at night, but do not let it get completely dark. Leave a lamp on so they know how to find food, also during the night.
Frequently asked questions about feeding quail chicks
How do I know they are getting enough food?
They should be active, curious and growing steadily. Keep track of how they develop compared with the rest of the group.
What if a chick will not eat?
Try to teach it by tapping in the food. Also check that the temperature in the brooder is right and that the chick shows no signs of illness.
Can I give quail chicks mealworms?
Yes, but in moderation. A good chick feed covers all the basic needs. You can still offer small amounts of treats such as mealworms and millet seeds. They should not make up more than 10 % of the diet.
How often should I feed quail chicks?
They should have free access to feed at all times. Chicks grow fast and need a steady supply to keep developing.
Can quail chicks eat ordinary chicken feed?
Ordinary layer feed for hens has too much calcium and too little protein. Use a starter feed with at least 22 % protein and no more than 1 % calcium.
When can the chicks start on whole pellets?
After 2–3 weeks they can gradually get more whole pellets. Start with crushed feed and increase the size once you see that they can eat it without trouble.
Summary
- Always keep clean water available
- Clean water and feed cups often
- Follow their development and make sure everyone understands how to eat
- Use protein-rich feed without too much calcium
- Crush coarse pellets into a powder
- Give treats in moderation
Follow this advice on feeding quail chicks and you are well prepared. I hope the article comes in handy.
Good luck! ❤️
