By Neil Armitage Published on March 4, 2023

Quail breeds and their uses and characteristics.

The different breeds of quail are all subtlety different

Quails are small birds that are popular among hobbyists and farmers alike. They are easy to raise, produce delicious eggs, and are low maintenance.

It's essential to understand the different quail breeds available, their unique characteristics, and how to care for them.

All quail live for an average of five years under ideal conditions and productively lay eggs in good numbers for two to three years.

Apart from the jumbo variety which can weigh up to 10 ounces, most quails weigh between 4 and 7 ounces.

Here's a table of some common quail breeds and their characteristics:

Quail Breed	Characteristics
Coturnix	Small and prolific, Lays eggs year-round, Popular back yard breed, Easy to keep and look after, Medium sized eggs.
Bobwhite	Larger and hardier than Coturnix and Japanese, Native to USA and common in the wild, Make good eating and often hunted for sport, Often kept for meat production, Hens lay up to 300 good sized eggs per year, 24-27 cm (9.5- 10.5 in), Calm and easy to keep.
California	Similar to Coturnix, Popular for meat production, Does not lay as many eggs as some breeds.
Gambel's	Smaller and less common than other breeds, 16.5- 18 cm (6.5-7 in), Up to 50 small eggs in a season, Both sexes have a plumed crest.
Button or Chinese painted	Smallest member of the quail family, Come in many colours,
Japanese	Smaller than Coturnix, 15- 18 cm (6-7 in), Lays up to 300 smaller eggs per year, Docile and easy to handle, Popular with backyard keepers.
Texas A&M	White-feathered variety of Coturnix, Large eggs up to 16 grams, Up to 150 eggs under ideal conditions, A little larger and good for meat production, 18-20 cm (7-8 in).
Red Range	Hybrid Quail breed with reddish-brown feathers, 8-20 cm (7-8 in), Heavy birds for it's size, up to 120 eggs per season, Good for meat and eggs.

These are just a few of the many quail breeds available, and their characteristics can vary depending on factors such as breeding, diet, and housing conditions.

Each quail breed has its unique characteristics, which include:

Appearance: The appearance of quail breeds can vary significantly. Japanese quails are small and plump, with a round body and short beak. Coturnix quails are slightly larger than Japanese quails and have a slender body with a curved beak. Bobwhite quails have a stocky body and distinctive brown and white markings.

Behaviour: Quails are generally docile birds and are not aggressive towards humans. However, they can be skittish and easily frightened, so it's essential to handle them gently. Japanese and Coturnix quails are social birds and prefer to live in groups. Bobwhite quails are solitary birds and prefer to live alone.

Egg production: The egg production of quail breeds varies significantly. Japanese and Coturnix quails are known for their high egg production, with hens laying up to 300 eggs per year. Bobwhite quails, on the other hand, have lower egg production and are typically raised for meat.

Care requirements: Quails are low maintenance birds and require minimal care. They need a clean, dry living area, access to food and water, and protection from predators. Japanese and Coturnix quails can be raised in a backyard or small coop, while Bobwhite quails require more space and are often raised in large aviaries.