Quail for the (Urban) Homestead

For 16 years, I was an urban homesteader in town with big dreams of chickens.

I’d spend countless afternoons maintaining my gardens, canning food, and imagining that one day there would be fresh eggs and feathery companionship, but the bylaws (and neighbours) forbade that. Then, a year and a half ago, we moved out to the country and chickens became a reality. However, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: quail keeping. To my astonishment, I learned I could have kept quail all along, even in my urban setting, as they often bypass chicken bylaws. Since quail thrive indoors and don’t require free-ranging, they’re a discreet and manageable choice for anyone with limited outdoor space.Basically, they’re like the ultimate covert operation in backyard farming.

Today, I have two aviaries housing about 22 quail. My setup follows the European tradition of natural quail keeping, with soil floors for foraging and plenty of enrichment like tunnels, branches, huts, and woodpiles. The aviaries are six feet tall, giving the quail ample room to stretch their wings without risking injury. This thoughtful design creates an engaging and safe environment where my birds can thrive. Even in winter, the quail remain productive, laying around 12 eggs a day. One aviary is home to my prized celadon quail, which lay stunning blue eggs that my mom often compares to robin eggs.

Breeding quail has become a rewarding hobby for me, as I focus on improving plumage genetics and maximizing egg size. I’m currently incubating eggs that average 14 grams, hoping for jumbo quail in the next generation. One of the joys of keeping quail is their rapid life cycle—eggs hatch in just 18 days, and the chicks reach maturity in only six weeks. This makes quail ideal for teaching children about homesteading and genetics. With tools like Punnett squares, kids can learn the science behind breeding while watching their efforts come to life in real-time.

Quail eggs and meat are delicious and nutrient-rich, with eggs higher in selenium and iron and the meat offering a lean, dark alternative to chicken. However, quail keeping has its challenges, particularly dealing with excess males. Since males often outnumber females, surplus birds are typically processed for meat to maintain harmony within the flock. While this aspect can be emotionally difficult, it’s an essential part of sustainable quail keeping. For those who can’t handle this task, connecting with local families in need of fresh meat is a great alternative. Raising quail offers countless benefits, from culinary delights to a deeper connection with nature and sustainable living.