Quail Vs. Chickens! What is the differences and which is better?
When I was new to quail keeping a few things struck me very quickly, the first is how difficult it is to keep quail on pasture. If you try to free range quail they just bugger off never to be seen again.
The second was how much they dislike being held. Quail will wriggle flap and scream until you let them go.
I also was not prepared for how nasty quail can be when I first started keeping them. Even the baby chicks will fight and occasionally kill each other and quail males will think nothing of fighting to the death whenever the fancy takes them, especially if there is competition for the females.
Chickens will fight but quail take it to a whole new level.
Below: I am a firm believer that free range poultry is healthier.
Because quail are almost always kept confined they need to have a complete and balanced diet brought to they if they are unable to forage for supplemental feeds.
The key differences between quail keeping and chicken keeping:
| Characteristic | Quails | Chickens |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (about 1/5 the size of a chicken). | Medium to large (depending on the breed). |
| Space requirements | Less space required (about 1 square foot per bird). | More space required (about 2-3 square feet per bird). |
| Egg production | Quail start laying sooner than chickens but lay fewer eggs than chickens. Quail are sporadic and seasonal layers. | Lay more eggs than quails (about 5-6 eggs per week). Chickens come into lay later than quail but lay more regularly and for longer. |
| Egg size | Small (about 1/3 to 1/4 the size of a chicken egg). Eggs do not store well. | Medium to large (depending on the breed). Egg store well. |
| Meat production | Produce less meat than chickens, only about 3-4 ounces per bird. Ready for processing earlier than chickens. | Produce more meat than quails (about 1-2 Kg per bird). Longer till they are ready. |
| Cost | Quail are more expensive, reflected in the greater cost of both the eggs and meat. | Chickens are cheaper in the long run and more productive and feed efficient. |
| Able to Free range | Quail can not be free ranged. | Chickens can easily be free ranged. |
| Diet | Similar to chickens (eat a variety of commercial feeds, grains, insects, and vegetables). | Similar to quails (eat a variety of commercial feeds, grains, insects, and vegetables). |
| Temperament | Are more flighty and skittish than chickens. Quail can not be pets and dislike being handled. | Can be more docile and easier to handle than quails. Chickens often don't mind being petted. |
| Lifespan | Shorter lifespan than chickens (about 2-3 years). | Longer lifespan than quails (about 5-7 years). |
| Perching | Quail do not perch or roost and lay their eggs anywhere. | Chickens perch and roost and lay their eggs in a nest. |
| Legality | Legal to keep in most areas. | Legal to keep in most areas. |
Quails are territorial, more skittish and less social than chickens. They tend to be more nervous around humans and are not as easy to handle or tame.
Quails are small and vulnerable to various predators, much more so than chickens. Their enclosures need to be secure but they are easier to keep in a smaller, more protected area.
More reasons quail are difficult to keep.
- Quail meat is leaner and more flavorful than chicken meat.
- Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs, but they are also more nutrient-dense.
- Quail are more susceptible to diseases than chickens, so it is important to keep them in a clean and sanitary environment.
- Quail are also more difficult to butcher than chickens, so it is important to learn how to do this properly before you start raising them for meat.
Overall, quail keeping is a good option for people who have limited space and want to raise birds for eggs or meat. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved before you get started.