Fun Facts About Quail
When we first started on this homesteading journey I wanted quail. That was my main goal for our beginning. Blake wanted chickens, I wanted quail. Quail were a little harder to find, but I fell head over heels with them the moment we got them. Here are some of my favorite fun facts about quail.
This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.
Fun Facts About Quail
We did a lot of research before we got our first quail. But there is only so much research you can do, and you'll still not learn everything.
Last autumn I was getting a little burnt out on birds, too much hatching for friends, and I seriously considered getting rid of my quails. And then they reminded me just how cute and fun they are.
They Look Dead When They Sleep
After more than two years you would think I wouldn't panic every time I see a quail laying in its brooder or cage like they are dead. (They don't actually look dead when dead.) They just like to sleep all stretched out.
They Walk Backwards to Poop
The quick backward shuffle you see from time to time is the quail eliminating. I’m not sure why, but it is what it is. I'm not sure why but there it is.
Eggs Just Pop Right Out of Them
Quail don't necessarily nest. Eggs just pop right out of them as if nothing happened. Quail just pop out eggs as they walk along. My quail’s favorite location is in their dusting material while they dust themselves. You never know where you'll find an egg in their cage.
They Are Acrobats
These little birds pop and bounce all over the place. And they LOVE tunnels. They will crawl into our sleeves when we reach into their cage. They will run into your hand and even push others out of the way to get into your hand.
They Cry When You Leave
Never have you heard such a woeful sound. After visiting the brooder or giving out treats the grownups, they will cry upon your departure. Often it starts with one, but others will join in. Before you know it, there is a whole flock of crying quail. They make an adorable sound.
The Roosters Seem to Surprise Themselves
When young male birds first crow, they almost seem surprised by this newly acquired ability. With quail, this surprise never goes away.
Bonus Fun Fact About Quail
They seem born on the run. It's said that they are born knowing that they taste damn delicious and are always on the go trying to stay alive. The babies will run around the incubator with the egg still attached to them.
I have had many friends decide to get quail after hearing me talk about them, and seeing them on our homestead. They are a definite favorite of mine. We currently have about 15.
More on Coturnix Quail
How To on Raising Healthy Quail
