Japanese quails, scientifically known as Coturnix japonica. They are small, rapidly growing birds native to East Asia. They are currently widely raised in most regions of India, primarily for their meat and eggs. The reason why these birds are so appealing to farmers is that they mature very quickly and are highly productive. A quail begins laying eggs at as young as six to seven weeks, and when it reaches six weeks, it is already fit for meat use. These birds may be small but can significantly contribute to the revenue of a farmer.
Why Japanese Quails Are a Good Choice for Farmers
Japanese quail farming offers many benefits, especially for those with limited land or capital. These birds grow rapidly and have a short rearing period, which means that returns start coming in a matter of weeks. A healthy female quail can lay up to 280 eggs in a year, which is quite impressive for such a small bird. They also need very little space, so even a small backyard or shed can be used to raise them.
Quail farming is low-cost and doesn’t require fancy equipment or large-scale infrastructure. Farmers can start small and expand gradually based on their experience and market demand. Since quails are hardy and easy to handle, they are suitable for new farmers, women farmers, and even those who want to take it up as a part-time business alongside other activities.
Proper Housing and Care for Quails
Housing is one of the most crucial aspects of quail farming. Quails do not need much space, and five or six birds can be accommodated in the same area where a single chicken would be housed. Each bird requires approximately 0.15 square feet of space. A simple cage system or well-ventilated shed with wire mesh is sufficient to rear quails. It is essential to maintain the house clean and dry with proper ventilation. The temperature must be warm, around 35°C, during the brooding period, which is the initial two to three weeks of the chick's life, and then decrease gradually as the chicks develop. Proper lighting, particularly 14 to 16 hours of light daily, is beneficial for improved egg production.
Feeding Practices That Ensure Good Growth
Feeding is an important factor in the health and productivity of quails. Chicks during the first three weeks should be fed with a high protein starter feed of around 27 percent to develop strong muscles and bones. At three weeks, they can be shifted to grower feed, which has a slightly lower protein content of around 24 percent. After the birds begin laying eggs, a layer feed is used.
This feed must be calcium rich and also well-balanced with other nutrients to ensure that the eggs are of good quality and have strong shells. Clean water for drinking must always be available to the birds, and the feed has to be fresh and free from insects or fungus.
Breeding and Hatching Made Easy
If a farmer wants to hatch and raise their own chicks, they need to have an appropriate ratio of birds. A male quail can fertilize three female quails. The eggs to be chosen should be free from any dirt, healthy, and well-shaped. The eggs hatch in 17 to 18 days under the right environment in an incubator. The incubators can also be purchased from the market and used by beginners. Alternatively, they can purchase day-old chicks from hatcheries and rear them at home.
Understanding the Costs and Earning Potential
One of the best things about quail farming is the low initial investment. A small unit of about 500 birds can be set up with an investment of around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000, which includes the cost of chicks, feed, cages, and other basic requirements. Once the birds are mature, farmers can start earning from both eggs and meat.
Quail eggs, though small in size, are highly nutritious and fetch a good price in the market—about Rs. 7 per piece. The demand for quail meat is also growing, especially in towns and peri-urban areas, where each bird can sell for as much as Rs. 75.
Additionally, quail droppings serve as excellent organic manure that can be either used on the farm or sold to other farmers. With proper care, good hygiene, and timely feeding, even a small flock of quails can generate a steady and reliable monthly income, helping farmers become more self-reliant and financially secure.
Japanese quail farming is a genuinely low-risk and high-reward enterprise for farmers with modest landholdings or little funding. Quail farming presents a viable opportunity for revenue production because of its quick yields, low space requirements, and straightforward management requirements.
These little birds can have a big impact, regardless of whether a farmer is new to raising poultry or wants to expand their current farming operation. Even a modest quail farm may generate steady revenue and pride with dedication, upkeep, and proper feeding procedures.
