Why quail chicks drown
Quail chicks are so tiny that even a shallow water dish can be dangerous. Before they grow feathers, they are covered in down, and at that stage they have very limited ability to regulate their body temperature. If they get wet, they chill quickly.
Even if they survive a drowning accident, they can become so cold that they die unless they are dried and warmed up quickly.
What to do if a chick gets wet
- Remove the chick from the water immediately.
- Dry it gently with a soft towel or paper. Do not rub; just pat carefully to draw out the water.
- Give it warmth in a draught-free place, for example back in the incubator or under a brooder plate or mother hen.
- Watch it closely for a while afterwards.
Safe water solutions for quail chicks
You will quickly discover that quail chicks have a special talent for getting themselves into life-threatening situations, no matter how carefully we try to keep them safe.
Some solutions are still better than others. Here are my best tips:
Lids or shallow water dishes with pebbles or marbles
A shallow dish with pebbles or marbles reduces the risk of chicks drowning in the water. The dish must be cleaned daily, and several times a day if you have many chicks.
I often use small plastic lids, like the one shown in the picture above, during the very first days. This is especially useful for Blue-breasted Quails (Chinese painted quail), because they are as small as bumblebees when they hatch.
Drinkers for small birds
Drinkers made for budgies give access to plenty of water without creating a large open water surface. They also keep the water cleaner for longer and do not need to be cleaned several times a day.
I prefer this type for the first two to three weeks with my small and medium-sized groups. Place them securely and fasten them if possible. If they tip over, a lot of water can run out.
Nipple drinkers
I have not had much success teaching my own quails to drink from nipples, but it is a common solution in the poultry industry and is probably the best option for those keeping larger numbers of quails too.
Nipples work by dripping when the chicks peck at them. The advantage is that the water stays clean, and drowning should not be possible.
Water dispensers
There are commercial water dispensers that are quite small. The smallest one I have is still too large for newly hatched Blue-breasted Quails, because they are incredibly tiny when they first hatch.
In the picture above you can see the smallest dispenser I own. The chicks in the photo are two-week-old Northern Bobwhites that have started to grow feathers.
Good routines for keeping water clean
Clean the water container often and change the water whenever needed.
Chicks need fairly warm conditions during their first weeks, and warmth encourages bacterial growth in water. Wash the water container thoroughly to avoid bacterial build-up. It can be useful to have a disinfecting cleaner available.
If you have many chicks, offer several water sources so you can be sure everyone has access to water.
Frequently asked questions
Can quail chicks tolerate getting wet?
No. Before they have a full covering of feathers, they are very vulnerable. They lose heat quickly and can die from chilling.
How often should quails have water?
Quail chicks should always have access to fresh, clean water. Water is just as important as feed for growth and survival.
I hope this was useful, and that you succeed in giving your quails plenty of fresh water without the chicks drowning.
I also recommend reading this article: Feeding quail chicks: useful tips for the first weeks.
Good luck! ❤️
