Embarking on the journey of Coturnix quail egg production is a fascinating endeavor that unfolds in stages, each contributing to the creation of those delectable eggs we find on our tables. In this exploration, we’ll take you through the complete process, from the anticipation of incubation to the moment of harvesting golden Coturnix quail eggs for your table.
The Promise of Fertile Eggs:
The journey begins with the selection of fertile eggs, often marked by a speckled appearance. Coturnix quail are known for their prolific egg-laying capabilities, making the collection of fertile eggs an exciting and promising step. Keeping laying hens and roosters happy and healthy is crucial to them producing good quaility fertile eggs and hatchlings. This includes a nutrient-dense diet of poultry feed, fresh greens daily and insects, as well as a clean habitat that keeps them protected from the elements and comfortable.
Here at the African Micro Farm we pride ourselves on not conforming to factory farming standards of overcrowded cages and only the basics of food provision. Our quails are kept in runs with 14 hens and two roosters with plenty of space to move around, they have constant flow of clean water and receive a wide variety of feed on top their daily poultry feed requirements. Quails also require regular dust baths to prevent parasites, something they also thoroughly enjoy.
Beyond that, medical care when needed is also vital. At the AMF no bird is left to suffer unnecessarily. All wounds and diseases are treated as quickly as possible in our Hospital Cage, where afflicted quails can take a break from the pressures of living in a flock, and take the time to rest and recuperate.
Our hens typically lay 5-7 eggs a week each during the summer, with these numbers going down during the winter months. We grant our hens the time to rest during winter as nature inteded, not encouraging additional eggs with artificial lighting, as we know this will aid in our hens’ longevity and ultimately have them producing more eggs over their lifespan.
The Incubation Period:
Once gathered, these fertile eggs find their way into the warmth of the incubator. The incubation period typically lasts 17 to 18 days, during which optimal temperature and humidity conditions are maintained. Watching as life develops within those fragile shells is a moment of anticipation and wonder, and we always look forward to watching the little fluffy chicks emerge from their shells!
Hatching Day Joy:
As the incubation period comes to an end, the tiny chirps of newly hatched quail fill the air. Witnessing the emergence of fluffy chicks is a heartwarming experience. At this point, the journey of each egg transforms into the bustling life of a quail chick. The chicks remain in the incubator for 24-48 hours after hatching. This ensures the chicks have a chance to dry out completely before experiencing any temperature changes, and gives any unhatched eggs the opportunity to hatch before the incubator is opened, which inevitably drops the humidity, an detrimental event to any hatchlings still in their eggs.
Brooding and Tender Care:
Post-hatching, the quail chicks require attentive brooding. Heat lamps or brooders create a cozy environment for the chicks to thrive. This stage is crucial for their early development, ensuring they grow into healthy, robust birds. A couple of things that are of the utmost importance during the first few weeks of life, is an incredibly clean and dry broodbox, access to clean water, in a container that is either very shallow, or has marbles in to prevent chicks from drowning. We typically will add a little bit of honey and apple cider vinegar to their water in the first few days as a pick me up and a preventative for sour crop. The chicks are also fed a high protein diet of very finely ground food to support their little bodies during this fast growing phase.
Feeding and Growth:
As the quail chicks grow, their diet evolves. A balanced quail feed becomes the cornerstone of their nutrition, providing the essential nutrients needed for proper growth, feather development, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, in South Africa, we don’t have the convenience of ready made quail food to feed our birds, so we feed a high quality broiler feed and supplement it with additional sources of protein and minerals to ensure they are as healthy as possible.
The Arrival of Egg-Laying Hens:
Most sources online will tell you that around 6 to 8 weeks of age, Coturnix quail reach maturity, and the hens begin laying eggs. It has been our experience that quails kept under natural sunlight will only start laying around 10-12 weeks, nonetheless, this is a very fast turnaround to production compared to other poultry breeds. The once tiny, fragile eggs have now transformed into a steady source of nutritious goodness.
Collecting and Handling:
Harvesting Coturnix quail eggs involves gentle and careful collection. Quail eggs are renowned for their delicate shells, and handling them with care ensures they arrive at the table intact and ready for consumption. We don’t typically wash our eggs unless they are very dirty, washing the eggs removes the protective bacterial layer naturally occurring around the egg, thereby causing the eggs to go off more quickly.
Culmination at the Table:
The journey concludes with the culinary delight of Coturnix quail eggs on your table. Whether used in gourmet dishes or enjoyed on their own, these eggs bring a unique flavor and nutritional profile that distinguishes them from other poultry eggs.
The journey from egg to table in Coturnix quail egg production is a testament to the wonders of nature and the care bestowed upon these remarkable birds. Each step contributes to the creation of nutritious and flavorful eggs, making them a cherished addition to any kitchen. So, the next time you savor a Coturnix quail egg, remember the journey it undertook to reach your table, a journey filled with anticipation, warmth, and the joy of wholesome harvest.
The African Micro Farm happily sells incredibly fresh quail eggs, available here
Remember to follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages for daily updates!