Firstly, there are no quail-specific feeds on the market. What you will find is a general game bird feed. Chicken feed is not suitable for quail, which have a higher metabolic rate requiring higher protein to manage. Here are some guidelines from a study published by Cambridge.

• Starter up to two weeks of age with a minimum of 27% protein
• Grower from three to five weeks with a minimum of 24% protein
• Layer mash for birds of more than six weeks of age with a minimum of 24% protein

Given the higher cost of game bird feed and the lack of such a high protein layer, it may be best for a homestead to improvise. Here are some ways we are supplementing the diet of our quail to meet their nutritional needs with a lower-cost grower crumble.

White clover