If you are a homesteader looking to raise your own meat and eggs but with limited outdoor space, then raising quails indoors may be the perfect solution for you.
These tiny birds are easy to care for, require minimal space, and their eggs and meat are delicious.
In this ultimate guide, we will share everything you need to know to raise quails indoors successfully.
Raising Quails Indoors: What is the Ideal Setting for Quail?
Quail can thrive in various environments, but it’s important to consider your specific circumstances to determine the best option for your needs.
Here’s a quick breakdown before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what it’s like (and how) to raise quail indoors.
Outdoor-Raising Quail
If you have enough space and the right climate, raising quail outside can be an excellent option.
Quail enjoy foraging for bugs and have plenty of space to roam.
However, outdoor enclosures must be secure to prevent predators like raccoons and foxes from getting in.
Quail also need protection from extreme heat or cold.
Consider building a sturdy coop with a wire mesh top and walls, or utilize an existing structure like a shed or barn.
Provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and high-quality feed to ensure your quail stays healthy and happy.
Keeping Quail in the Basement
If you don’t have outdoor space or live in an area with harsh weather, you can consider raising quail indoors.
Basements can be the ideal setting because they’re often cool and dark, which is perfect for quail.
However, you’ll need to make sure you have proper ventilation to prevent mold and ammonia buildup from their droppings.
You can improve air quality with a fan or air purifier. Your basement will also need to be securely fenced off to prevent access from pets or young children.
Consider using a wire mesh enclosure within your basement for added security.
Raising Quail in Your Garage
Another indoor option is to keep your quail in your garage.
This option can be convenient if you have limited space outside but still want to keep your car in the garage.
You’ll need to make sure your garage is well-ventilated but still draft-free.
As with the basement, consider using a wire mesh enclosure to prevent predators and provide structure for your quail.
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to install heating or cooling systems to keep your quail comfortable.
Can Quail Live in a Bird Cage?
While bird cages aren’t as common for raising quail, they can work if you have a small flock and limited space.
It’s important to make sure your cage is properly sized for your quail and provides enough space for them to move around.
You’ll also need to supplement their foraging diet with high-quality feed.
Keep in mind that quail are social animals, so it’s best to keep them in pairs or small groups.
A bird cage isn’t recommended for a large flock or long-term housing but can work for temporary situations or for those with limited space.
Reasons to Raise Quail Indoors
Raising quail indoors means you can control their environment’s temperature and humidity levels, which is essential for their health and productivity.
Quail require specific temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and excess humidity can cause respiratory issues and difficulty breathing.
By providing a controlled environment, you can ensure their comfort and growth rate, resulting in a higher yield.
Outdoor predators can be a significant problem for quail, especially during breeding season when the eggs are most vulnerable.
Raising quail indoors eliminates the risk of predation, ensuring a higher hatch rate and less risk for injury and illness.
Plus, indoor quail farms are less susceptible to parasites and disease, reducing mortality rates.
Maintaining an outdoor quail farm requires a significant amount of work and upkeep, including cleaning feeders and waterers, repairing fences, and collecting eggs.
By raising quail indoors, you eliminate the need for daily cleaning.
You can automate some of the maintenance tasks, such as lighting and watering systems, resulting in overall reduced labor and maintenance costs.
Indoor quail farming allows you to maximize your space utilization and increase your production per square foot.
You can stack cages vertically, utilize wall space, and create a controlled environment that is both efficient and productive.
By utilizing the space you have available, you can keep a larger flock and increase your egg and meat yields.
Again, quail are susceptible to numerous diseases and parasites that can pose a significant risk to your flock’s health and productivity.
Raising quail indoors ensures you have control over their environment and reduces the risk of cross-contamination from other outdoor animals.
Biosecurity measures such as cleaning and disinfecting can be easily implemented indoors, reducing the likelihood of disease outbreaks and minimizing production losses.
What Breed of Quail is Best for Raising Indoors?
If you’re someone who loves the idea of raising quail but doesn’t have a lot of outdoor space to do it, quail are the ideal pets.
But with so many breeds of quail to choose from, which one is right for you?
Here are a few options.
Coturnix Quail
Also known as the Japanese quail, this breed is the most common for indoor quail keeping.
They’re small, quiet, and easy to care for. They come in various colors, including brown, gray, and white.
Coturnix quail are social animals and do well in groups of three or more.
They’re also known for being good egg layers, so if you want fresh quail eggs, this is the breed for you.
Button Quail
These little guys are the smallest breed of quail and are often kept as pets because of their adorable size.
They’re also incredibly quiet, making them perfect for indoor quail keeping.
Button quail are unique because they’re ground-dwellers and won’t fly like other quail breeds.
They come in a variety of colors, including brown, white, and gray.
They’re more challenging to care for than other breeds because they require a specific diet and environment to thrive.
Bobwhite Quail
If you’re looking for a more challenging quail to raise indoors, the Bobwhite quail might be for you.
They’re larger than other breeds of quail and have a more distinct call.
Bobwhite quail are known for being excellent game birds and make fantastic pets for those who enjoy hunting.
They’re more challenging to care for than other quail breeds and require a specific diet and living environment to thrive.
California Quail
These quail are native to California and are often kept as pets because of their unique appearance.
They’re larger than other breeds of quail and have distinctly dark heads and necks.
California quail do well in small groups and are known for being good egg layers.
They’re relatively easy to care for and require a standard quail diet and living environment.
Gambel’s Quail
If you’re looking for a quail breed that’s both beautiful and hardy, the Gambel’s quail might be for you.
They’re large, hardy birds that are native to the desert southwest.
They come in various colors, including gray, brown, and white.
Gambel’s quail are good egg layers and do well in small groups.
They’re relatively easy to care for and require a standard quail diet and living environment.
How Do You Take Care of a Quail Indoors?
If you’re looking to raise quails, you might have a lot of questions about how to take care of them indoors.
Here are some tips:
Feeding
The first thing to consider when taking care of quails indoors is their diet.
Quails are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter.
You can feed them a commercially prepared quail feed or create your own feed using ingredients like corn, wheat, barley, and soybean meal.
You can also supplement their diet with mealworms, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables.
Be sure to provide fresh water at all times, and consider adding vitamins and minerals to their water to keep them healthy.
Housing
The first step is to set up a suitable cage for your quails.
It should be spacious enough to allow them to move around but also small enough to fit comfortably in an indoor space.
The recommended size for a quail cage is one square foot per bird.
You can use a store-bought cage or make your own using wire mesh.
Make sure the cage has enough room to allow for easy cleaning and includes a nesting box for laying eggs.
You can use straw, sawdust, or other materials in the nesting box to keep the eggs clean.
What Temperature Can Quails Tolerate?
Quails can tolerate different temperatures, but they prefer moderate temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to keep their cage away from drafts and direct sunlight.
You can use a heat lamp to keep them warm in colder temperatures and a fan to keep them cool in warmer temperatures.
Cleanliness and Ventilation
Cleanliness and ventilation are crucial for the health of your quails.
Be sure to clean their cage regularly, removing any droppings or debris.
You should also provide adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of ammonia and other harmful gasses.
You can do this by keeping windows open or adding a ventilator to their cage.
Preventing Disease
Preventing disease is another important element of taking care of quails indoors.
Keep their cage clean and dry, and avoid overcrowding.
You should also quarantine any new birds before introducing them to your existing flock.
Check your quails regularly for signs of illness, such as lethargy or abnormal droppings.
If you suspect your quails are sick, contact a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Brooding Quail Indoors
If you want to hatch your own quails, you can do so indoors by using a brooder box.
A brooder box is a small enclosure that provides warmth and protection for newborn birds.
You can use a heat lamp, heating pad, or hot water bottle to keep the box warm.
Be sure to provide fresh water, chick starter feed, and a clean and dry environment for the chicks.
General Tips for Raising Quail Indoors
Here are a few more general tips to help you care for your quail.
Know Their Lifespan
Quails typically live for about three to five years.
However, if you take proper care of them and provide an enriched environment, they can live longer.
This means that you need to be prepared to commit to taking care of them for several years.
Make sure to get them as chicks to maximize the time you’ll have with them.
Use Screening to Cover the Bottom of Hutches
Quails need a clean and dry environment to live in.
Because of this, you’ll want to cover the bottom of their hutch with a wire screen. T
his will not only protect the quail’s feet, but it will also keep their waste from building up and causing an unpleasant living environment.
It’s essential to clean the screens regularly to prevent your quails from living in filth.
Use Enclosed Feeders
Quails are notorious for being messy eaters.
They flick their food everywhere, which can lead to significant waste.
Enclosed feeders prevent the spread of food and keep your quails fed without the mess.
This also helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other disease-causing pests in the quail’s feeding area.
Give Them Toys
Like any pet, quails need stimulation and enrichment to be happy and healthy.
Giving your quails toys and activities they can engage in can help promote their physical and mental well-being.
Quails love things like swings, branches, and hay bales to perch and play on.
You can even make DIY toys for your indoor quails. Just make sure they aren’t harmful or toxic to them.
Make Sure You Have Lots of Space
Quails may be small, but they still need enough space to move around and spread their wings.
Lack of space can lead to crowding, aggression, sickness, and even mortality.
Make sure that the hutch to house your quails is spacious enough to prevent any health issues.
The general rule of thumb is to have at least 1 square foot of space per quail.
Raising Quail Indoors: Is This For You?
Raising quails indoors is a great way to produce your own meat and eggs without needing a lot of outdoor space.
With proper care and maintenance, these tiny birds can thrive in an indoor environment and provide you with a delicious and sustainable source of food.
Hopefully, this ultimate guide to raising quail indoors has helped you decide whether it’s a good option for you.
Enjoy the journey!
If you want to know more about quail raising, you might want to check out the related articles below!
I’ve always been fascinated by quails and their unique characteristics. Learning how to raise them indoors is exciting and I appreciate the tips provided in this post. I’m eager to try this out and see how it goes.Thanks for sharing!