Raising Quail naturally

[roitelet]

I have Quail at the moment which have just started laying. I would like to hatch some but not in an incubator. Several questions,
1 How long do they lay for
2 Will they go broody
3 Can I put the eggs under a bantam
4 How many hens do I leave with a cock

Any other advice would also be appreciated, thanks

[RichmondHens]

Google rearing quail, but what I have gleaned from doing this from time to time is that

a) they don't go broody
b) recommend at least 3 - 4 hens per cock
c) the cocks fight A LOT, sometimes to the death so don't keep more than one
d) think they are pretty much spent by the time they are a year or so old, quail don't live very long, i'm not sure how long the laying period is, about 6 months I think

I personally wouldn't try putting the eggs under a hen, even a bantam, as the babies are sooooo tiny, I think they would get crushed very easily by mama's feet. But of course it's up to you, nothing ventured, nothing gained etc etc.

Let us know how you get on, whatever you decide to do.

[roitelet]

Thanks for that RH. I have already had to cull two cocks and there are about three others to go although not fighting yet. I 'Googled' and think that unless I get an incy I am wasting my time. I did put eggs under a Banty last time I had them but they came to nothing, not fertile.

Perhaps for the time being I will just enjoy the eggs.