Raising quails and other domesticated animals for food is one of the many ways to be self-sufficient, which is the ultimate goal of homesteading. You can still be self-sufficient even if you live in a cramped apartment or a posh condo by raising quails and learning other homesteading skills.
Raising quails reap huge benefits
There are two main reasons why raising quails over other kinds of poultry is better. First, quails lay eggs, lots of them. They can also be slaughtered for their meat. Second, it’s relatively easy to raise quails giving homesteaders a steady supply of food. You can also earn extra income by raising quails and selling their eggs and meat.
Quail eggs taste similar to the eggs of free-range chickens. However, quail eggs are a lot more nutritious. In fact, they are high in “good” cholesterol and other nutrients. Quail meat is also rich in different nutrients. It has low skin fat and is low in cholesterol. Furthermore, quail meat tastes really good. For all these reasons, urban homesteaders should consider raising quails in their apartments or homes.
Many urban homesteaders are raising quails because the chances of success are pretty good and it’s not that complicated. All you need at the start are fertile quail eggs along with other necessities, which will be discussed later.
There are numerous quail breeds but the most popular among homesteaders and quail farmers alike is the Cotrunix quail. This breed is highly suggested for beginners because they are the easiest to raise. The female can lay up to 200 eggs in the first season while the meat is best harvested between 9 to 11 weeks.
Raising quails doesn’t require a huge space
Unlike chicken, quails can be raised in a small cage that’s perfect for an urban homestead. The size of the cage depends on the number of quails you’re raising. The typical space requirement is 0.5 to 1.0 square foot for each bird. One square foot of space is suggested for each mature quail.
Quails are proficient egg layers
Quail hens start laying eggs as early as 6 to 8 weeks. Once they start, they’ll be producing eggs at a daily rate. The returns are fast and you get your daily dose of quail eggs without going to the grocery store.
As mentioned, one quail hen can produce around 200 to over 300 eggs a year. You’ll need containers for all the eggs you harvest. Invest in some quail egg trays for your personal stash.
If you wish to earn from raising quails, you’ll need egg trays for bulk orders. For smaller purchases, use egg cartons.
Raising quails is not that expensive
Living in a condo or apartment usurps most of your meager salary. It’s a good thing then that raising quails is cheap. You need feeders and waterers aside from the quail cage and the fertile eggs of your chosen breed. After that, the bulk of your expenses will be on feeds. Fortunately, quail feed costs cheaper than chicken feed. If you have the cash to spare you can also invest in an incubator to help in hatching eggs.
A pair of quail egg scissors will also come in handy.
It’s also a good idea to get more help in raising quails by purchasing a book about raising quails.
Handling Quail Poop
Perhaps the biggest concern in raising quails is the smell. Fortunately, it’s manageable even in a small apartment. The secret is proper ventilation.
Place your quails in an area with proper ventilation such as an open window. This will allow the quails to get some fresh air. You can set up your quail cage in the basement, in a vacant room, in the garage, on the porch, or wherever there is ventilation.
You have to clean up as often as possible. The smell of the quail droppings will be overwhelming if they’re not cleaned regularly even if there is proper ventilation. If your cage has a wire floor, place a paper lining underneath to catch the quail poop. Replace the paper lining every day. Scrub the droppings off the wire floor from time to time.
Quail farmers put a bit of soil under the birds to absorb the water from the droppings. More are then added to cover the droppings. When it’s time to change the soil, simply add it to your compost to be used later on your plants. Others suggest placing unused food sacks to absorb the water and let the quail poop dry faster.
Keeping everything properly ventilated will not only lessen the ungodly smell, it will also keep pests such as rats, flies, and mice away. Quail droppings may also be used as fertilizer for your herb garden and as fish food.
There you have it — 5 things you need to know about raising quails in an urban homestead.
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