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Coturnix Quail (Jumbo)

Coturnix (Japanese) Quail are the fastest-maturing poultry: lay at 6 weeks, butcher at 7-8 weeks, eggs hatch in 17 days. The 'two birds per square foot' option for backyard meat + egg production. Jumbo strain dresses out at 12-14 oz.

About this breed

Quick facts: Coturnix Quail (Jumbo)

OriginJapan - domesticated 12th century
Conservation statusCommon
Also calledJapanese Quail, Pharaoh Quail, King Coturnix
Adult weightJumbo adults 10-14 oz
Size classSmall game bird
Eggs per year~250
Egg colorSpeckled cream
Egg sizeTiny (1/3 chicken egg)
BroodinessLow (largely lost the trait via domestication)
Cold hardinessFair (indoor preferred)
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelQuiet
Flight tendencyWill fly straight up - covered cages required
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

Domesticated in Japan in the 12th century, primarily as singing cage birds. Selective breeding for egg production began in the 1900s, leading to the modern egg-laying Coturnix. The 'Jumbo' or 'Pharaoh' strain (selected for body size, US 1950s-70s) is 30-50% larger than the original. Now the most-farmed quail species globally - over 1 billion eggs produced per year. Fastest vertebrate from egg to egg (17-day incubation + 6-week pullet).

Personality & temperament

calm if cage-raisedflighty if free-rangeforaging

Best for: eggs, meat, small spaces, apartment-friendly

Eggs & laying

Hens lay 4-6 eggs/week. Eggs hatch in 17 days.

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space1 sq ft per bird

Space: Cage-raised on wire bottom or deep litter. 1 sqft per bird minimum. Covered top REQUIRED (vertical flight).

Feeding: Game-bird crumbles 24-28% protein. Higher protein than chickens - layer feed insufficient.

Health: Watch for ulcerative enteritis - keep waterers clean. Watch for cannibalism in overcrowded cages.

Climate: Zones 3-10 with shelter. Tolerate cold to 0F with windbreak; love mild weather.

Buying tips

  • JUMBO strain dresses out at 10-14 oz (vs 6-8 oz for non-jumbo). Worth the price premium.
  • Eggs hatch in 17 days - watch for early hatchers around day 16.
  • Day-old chicks called 'jumpers' for their flight ability - covered brooder is mandatory.
  • Some lines (Pharaoh, Italian, Tibetan) come in different colors but lay similar quantities.

Did you know?

  • Fastest-maturing poultry: egg to laying in 6 weeks.
  • Eggs hatch in 17 days vs 21 for chickens.
  • Quail eggs allergy-test the same as chicken eggs but have higher protein-to-volume ratio.
  • Bred for space efficiency - 8 quail produce as many eggs/lb of feed as 4 chickens.

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