The rapid development of a quail chick, often called a poult, is one of the fastest growth rates in the poultry world, meaning that a precise and nutrient-dense diet is necessary from the moment of hatch. Their tiny size and accelerated metabolism demand specialized nutrition that differs significantly from that of chicken chicks. Providing the correct balance of protein, energy, and vitamins in the first six weeks is important for ensuring healthy development, strong bones, and proper feather growth. Careful management of both the feed content and the delivery system is necessary.
Essential Nutritional Requirements
Quail chicks require a significantly higher protein content than most other poultry to support their rapid growth. A commercial game bird starter feed containing a protein level between 24% and 30% is necessary from hatch until approximately six weeks of age. This high-protein ratio provides the amino acids needed for the rapid formation of muscle mass and feathers.
The physical form of the feed is almost as important as its nutritional content due to the poult’s small beak size. Standard game bird crumbles are often too large for a day-old quail chick to consume effectively, potentially leading to starvation or stunted growth. For the first week, it is recommended to grind this starter feed into a fine, powder-like consistency using a food processor or coffee grinder.
When selecting a commercial feed, choose a non-medicated game bird starter specifically formulated for quail or turkey chicks. Many medicated poultry feeds contain Amprolium, a coccidiostat that is not approved for use in quail and can be toxic to them. Quail have a high metabolic rate, meaning they consume more feed per body weight than chickens, which can lead to an accidental overdose if chicken-specific medicated feed is used.
The total energy requirement for a growing quail chick is elevated, demanding around 2,800 to 2,900 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per kilogram of feed. Along with high protein, the feed must provide adequate levels of minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone development, supported by Vitamin D3. Switching to a lower-protein grower feed can begin around six weeks, but the starter ration should be maintained until then.
Practical Feeding and Hydration
Quail chicks must have continuous access to fresh feed and water, known as ad libitum feeding, because their rapid metabolism requires frequent refueling. Feed should be provided in shallow, easily accessible trays or specialized small chick feeders to minimize waste. To encourage feeding in the first few days, sprinkle a small amount of the powdered feed directly onto the brooder floor near the heat source so the poults quickly locate their food source.
Water delivery requires particular attention to prevent accidental drowning, as a quail chick can drown in a very small amount of liquid. Using miniature, shallow water bases or placing clean marbles or small pebbles inside a standard chick waterer’s trough creates a safer drinking environment. These objects allow the poults to drink without being submerged in the water reservoir, which is a common hazard in their first weeks.
Maintaining sanitation is necessary to prevent the buildup of bacteria and the spread of disease. Feeders and waterers must be cleaned daily to remove droppings and prevent contamination, and fresh water should be provided multiple times a day. High-protein feed can quickly spoil or grow mold if it becomes damp, so any spilled or soiled feed must be promptly removed from the brooder.
Safe Supplements and Foods to Avoid
The digestive system of a quail chick relies on the gizzard to grind down food, a process that requires insoluble grit. Providing chick-sized insoluble grit, such as crushed granite or flint, is necessary as soon as the poults consume anything beyond the starter feed. Grit should be offered separately from the main feed in a small dish, allowing the birds to self-regulate their intake.
Supplemental food or treats should be kept to a minimum, not exceeding 10% of the chick’s total daily intake, and should only be introduced after the first few weeks. Small amounts of finely chopped dark leafy greens, such as dandelion or clover, provide beneficial vitamins and fiber. Hard-boiled egg yolk, crumbled finely, can also serve as a protein-rich treat.
A specific list of common household foods must be avoided due to toxicity. Avocado, including the skin and pit, contains the toxin persin, which can cause respiratory and cardiac distress in birds. Other toxic items include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, high-salt foods, and raw forms of beans or potatoes, as well as the leaves and stems of nightshade plants like tomatoes and potatoes.