Quail is a unique and economically valuable bird species, known for its rapid growth, early maturity, high egg production, low feed consumption, and short production cycle. A female quail can begin laying eggs at 45-50 days of age, with an annual egg yield of 200-300 eggs, averaging about 2.43 kilograms per year. The average egg production rate can exceed 80%. Each quail lays eggs continuously from hatching to the end of its productive life, consuming only 0.75 kg of feed in total, or about 20-25 grams daily. Over a year, this amounts to 9 kg of feed. The feed-to-egg ratio is around 2.6-2.7:1, and the incubation period is just 17 days, allowing for year-round breeding. Quail farming offers high overall efficiency and a stable market demand, ranking second in domestic poultry farming after chickens and ducks.
**Habits and Characteristics**
Quails prefer warm and dry environments. Egg production drops when temperatures fall below 15°C or rise above 30°C, with the ideal temperature range for egg-laying being 20-22°C. They are easily startled, so their living environment should remain quiet. Most quails are raised in cages with a height of 15-25 cm. These birds grow quickly but have a relatively short lifespan. At hatching, they weigh about 78 grams, reaching 120 grams by sexual maturity at 45-50 days.
**Breeding and Selection**
For breeding, both male and female parents should be selected from the first three generations, ensuring they are healthy, well-developed, and weigh at least 120 grams. Males should have bright red cloacal vents, while females should have a large abdominal cavity, with the pubic bones spaced about three fingers wide and the pelvic bones two fingers apart. A 1:3 male-to-female ratio is recommended. Natural mating in cages is commonly used.
**Incubation Process**
Eggs should be selected within one week of lay, with clear spots, normal shape, and moderate size. After placing the blunt end up, allow them to rest in a 25°C room for 6-8 hours before starting incubation. Incubation management includes:
- **Temperature**: Start high, then gradually decrease. Maintain between 38-39°C throughout the process.
- **Humidity**: Keep it at 60-65% during incubation, increasing to 80% on the day before hatching.
- **Ventilation**: Adjust based on season and embryonic development.
- **Egg Turning**: Rotate the eggs 4-12 times daily until 2-3 days before hatching.
- **Cooling**: Cool the eggs briefly during the process as needed.
- **Egg Inspection**: Check for dead embryos on days 5-7 and 12-13.
- **Hatching**: Move eggs to a hatching tray 15 days into incubation, maintain high humidity, and remove chicks once they are dry.
**Chick Rearing**
The brooding period lasts 30 days. Chicks should be placed in a brooder after their down dries. Key management steps include:
- **Insulation**: Maintain temperatures starting at 37-36°C for the first six days, gradually decreasing by 1°C every five days.
- **Watering**: Provide water within 24 hours of hatching, using slightly diluted potassium permanganate initially.
- **Feeding**: Begin feeding one hour after drinking, using a balanced starter feed formula.
- **Density and Lighting**: Adjust density based on age, with 24-hour lighting for the first week.
- **Care and Hygiene**: Monitor chick behavior, ensure clean housing, and separate males and females at 3-4 weeks.
**Adult Management**
Adult quails should have free access to dry feed and clean water. A suitable feed formula includes corn flour, soybean meal, fishmeal, and vitamins. Maintain optimal temperatures (20-22°C) and provide consistent lighting (16-18 hours). Regular cleaning, health monitoring, and record-keeping are essential for successful adult management.
Quail farming is not only efficient but also highly profitable, making it an attractive option for small-scale and commercial farmers alike. With proper care and management, quail can thrive and produce consistently, offering a sustainable source of income.
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