Feeding Hatched Quail Chicks: When To Start?

Quail chicks are tiny and require food and water immediately after hatching. However, they can survive without food or water for up to 72 hours after hatching because they absorb yolk nutrients. For the first few days, their food should be crushed into a fine powder, and sprinkled on the floor of the brooder. Quail chicks require a lot of care and attention, and it is important to keep them warm and safe.

Quail chicks can survive up to 72 hours without food after hatching

Quail chicks can survive for up to 72 hours without food after hatching, as they are still absorbing yolk nutrients. However, they will typically show interest in food and water immediately after hatching and will start pecking at their food within a few minutes.

To care for newborn quail chicks, it is recommended to keep them in a brooder with a soft, breathable material covering, providing at least 1 square foot of space for every 2 chicks. It is important to maintain a warm temperature in the brooder, around 95-98 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and then lowering it by 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered. The brooder should also be kept clean and sanitised, with slip-free bedding to ensure proper leg development.

In terms of food, it is recommended to use a game bird starter feed with 24-27% protein, mashed into a finer consistency for the first week or so as the chicks have tiny beaks. This can be scattered on small paper plates or shallow lids, with frequent refills throughout the day. After the first week, traditional chick feeders can be introduced. It is also beneficial to add supplements like Brewers yeast or Bragg's Nutritional yeast to ensure adequate vitamin intake.

Quail chicks should always have access to clean water, and a quail waterer or nipple-style waterer is recommended to prevent splashing and accidental drowning. Overall, while quail chicks can survive for a short period without food, it is important to provide them with appropriate nutrition and a carefully maintained environment to ensure their health and well-being.

Food must be crushed into small bits for the first few days

Newly hatched quail chicks can go without food or water for up to 72 hours after hatching as they absorb yolk nutrients. However, they will typically show interest in food and water immediately after leaving the incubator.

For the first few days, it is important to crush the food into small bits or grind it up using a coffee grinder. This is because their beaks are tiny, and they may struggle to eat larger pieces. A very small and shallow dish, such as a jam jar lid, is big enough to hold food for several quail chicks as they figure out eating and drinking. It is also important to use a game bird starter for quail, as plain chick starter can lead to deficiencies. Turkey starter, which is typically in the 28-30% protein range, is also suitable.

After the first few days, you can start to transition to larger food pieces. Chicks should be fed a diet high in protein, along with clean water and the right support supplements. For general maintenance, a feed with 18-20% protein is suitable. For laying hens, a high-protein chicken layer feed with extra calcium is required.

It is also important to provide a clean environment for the chicks with slip-free bedding to allow their legs to develop properly. A rough-textured newspaper or paper towels as a base, followed by a thin layer of pine shaving bedding, is recommended.

Use a quail waterer to prevent chicks from drowning

Quail chicks can go for up to 72 hours without eating or drinking after hatching as they absorb yolk nutrients. However, they will typically show interest in food and water immediately after leaving the incubator. It is important to provide them with food and water as soon as they are dried out from hatching.

To prevent quail chicks from drowning, it is recommended to use a quail waterer. Quail chicks are tiny and can drown quickly, especially if they are weak or get trampled on. Here are some tips for using a quail waterer to prevent drowning:

Use a Quail Waterer:

• Use a quail-specific waterer or a nipple-style waterer to prevent chicks from splashing around and getting wet.
• Quail waterers with small reservoirs, such as Mason jar waterers, are ideal for tiny quail chicks as they reduce the risk of drowning or becoming chilled.
• Poultry cups are another safe option for young quail as they are small and reduce the risk of drowning.
• Bell waterers can also be used, but they may be too deep for day-old chicks.

Add Stones or Pebbles:

• Adding small marbles, smooth river stones, or clean pebbles to the water tray can prevent chicks from falling in and drowning.
• Ensure that the stones or pebbles are clean before placing them in the water.
• A single layer of stones is usually enough, especially with Mason jar waterers.

Maintain Water Quality:

• Keep the water clean and fresh to prevent bacteria growth. Stagnant water can lead to health issues.
• Choose a waterer size relative to the number of quails you have to ensure the water is consumed within a reasonable time.
• Regularly clean and sanitize the waterer to maintain a healthy environment for your chicks.

By following these guidelines and using a quail waterer with appropriate safety measures, you can help prevent your hatched quail chicks from drowning while ensuring they stay hydrated and healthy.

A plastic tote is easier to set up and keep clean

Quail chicks can go up to 72 hours without eating or drinking after hatching as they are still absorbing yolk nutrients. However, they will typically show interest in food and water immediately after hatching and drying out.

A plastic tote is a great option for a brooder box, which will serve as the chicks' home for the first few weeks of their lives. It is easy to set up and keep clean and sanitised for the first week or two, depending on how many chicks you are caring for. To sanitise the tote, wash it thoroughly with vinegar and ensure it is completely dry before use.

The size of the tote should be appropriate for the number of chicks, allowing enough room for movement and growth. A 55-gallon storage tote is a good option, as it allows you to have a hot side and a cool side, so the quail can easily regulate their temperature. Cut a large hole in the lid of the tote, being careful to collect all the plastic pieces so that the birds don't eat them. Cover the hole with a wood frame and hardware cloth.

For bedding, choose an absorbent material that minimises odour and prevents leg problems. Rubber shelf liner or paper towels are suitable for the first few days, and you can transition to pine shavings or paper shavings afterward. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues.

Sprinkle feed directly on the floor of the brooder for the first few days so that the chicks can easily find it. After that, you can switch to feeders. Ensure that waterers and feeders are sized for quail chicks and are placed within easy reach. Use shallow water dishes and add marbles or pebbles to prevent the chicks from drowning.

Gradually reduce the temperature in the brooder weekly until the chicks are fully feathered, and perform regular cleaning to prevent illness and stress.

Quail chicks need a high-protein diet

Quail chicks can go without food or water for up to 72 hours after hatching because they are still absorbing yolk nutrients. However, they will usually be interested in food and water immediately after hatching. It is important to note that chicks need to be kept warm and dry in a brooder before they can start eating and drinking.

One option for ensuring adequate protein intake is to use a game bird starter feed, which typically contains 28-30% protein. This can be mashed or ground into smaller pieces for the first week or two, as the chicks have tiny beaks. It is important to note that plain chick starter feed is insufficient and can lead to deficiencies.

To further increase the protein content of the diet, you can add mealworms, boiled eggs, fish meal, or ground oyster shell. Mealworms are a favourite treat for quail but should be given in limited quantities due to their high-fat content. Boiled eggs provide both protein and calcium, which is essential for strong eggshells. Fish meal is an excellent source of protein but should be used in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

In addition to commercial feeds, you can also offer healthy treats such as nutritious seeds and vegetables like sprouted alfalfa, chopped broccoli, and kale, which has 45% protein. It is important to provide continual access to clean water, using a quail waterer or a nipple-style waterer to prevent the chicks from splashing around in their water.

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