Kerala, India
A Guide by Yembroos Animal Feeds India Private Limited
On a small scale for the first 5 weeks you can use a cardboard box with a light bulb for heat, if you are using this method there are a few things you can do for your own safety and the health of the chicks.
Brooder Setup
We suggest a box about 70cm square, with corrugated cardboard neatly covering the floor, or use wood chips (not sawdust), a slippery surface will make the chick a cripple. Hang a bulb securely initially at a height of 50mm from the floor of the box.
Heat Management
Providing the correct heat requires careful monitoring, if the chicks are too cold they will be huddled under the lamp, too hot and they will be as far away as they can get from the heat, if they are evenly spread in the box you are not far wrong.
You can alter the heat in 3 ways:
- Altering the bulb wattage
- Adjusting the height of the bulb in the box
- Partly covering the top of the box
Placement of Food and Water
The food and water can be placed about 15-20 cm from the lamp, you can move it further away in the box after the first few days.
Feeding Program
For the first 4-5 weeks we recommend feeding chick starter crumbs, there is a special quail starter or game starter crumb available, but with Coturnix quail chick crumbs are fine. After 5 weeks we recommend using poultry layers mash, quail breeder pellets are also available.
Water Management
We find that drowning can be a problem so be sure to use a shallow drinker.
Important Safety Measures
After a week you should think about placing wire netting over the top of the open box, the quails will fly out soon!
Heat Reduction Schedule
You can gradually reduce the heat, at 4-5 weeks they should not need any unless it is particularly cold, ideally the box should be in a warm, draft free room or building.