Japanese Quail

Japanese Quail key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Three to four years in the wild and 1.2 to 1.5 years in commercial and laboratory lines, with a captive record of six years

Size

20cm long (wing 9.1-10.4cm; 90-100g in the wild, 100-120g in domestic stock)

Temperature

15〜24℃

Diet

Quail crumbles, grain, greens, insects and a calcium source such as oyster shell

Cage

Being a ground bird it needs floor area rather than height, and the ceiling should be of a soft material so a startled bird flushing straight upward is not injured. Provide a dust-bathing area.

Temperament

They can be kept in groups, though cocks fight in the breeding season. The mating system is basically monogamous, with cases of polygyny. Inbreeding depression appears readily, so keeping a line going calls for pedigree management.

Vocalization

As many as 28 call types have been distinguished by context. The typical crow of the male is two short parts followed by a long trill, and hens exposed to crowing males mature earlier.

Notes

The preferred range is 15 to 24 C and the birds stand cold poorly; prolonged cold triggers a moult, so provide winter heating. Wild birds are covered by the Wildlife Protection Act and may not be taken or transferred; only birds bred as domestic stock are traded.

About Japanese Quail

A guide to keeping Japanese quail, one of the smallest poultry birds. About 20cm long with streaked brown plumage, they are beginner-friendly and have long been valued for both eggs and meat.

7 things to know before welcoming a Japanese Quail

1. 1Compact Housing Needs

   At around 20cm long, Japanese quail don't need a large enclosure, making them easy to start with in limited space. They startle easily and can jump straight up, so a cage with a soft or padded ceiling helps prevent head injuries.

2. 2Vocal Especially in Season

   Males tend to call frequently, especially during the breeding season. If you live in an apartment or another shared building, it's worth checking in advance whether the calls might carry to neighbors.

3. 3Group Dynamics

   Quail are naturally social and often kept in groups, but males can become territorial and fight with one another. When housing several together, keeping more females than males helps reduce conflict.

4. 4Frequent Egg-Laying

   Females tend to lay eggs almost daily. Given their long history as an egg and meat source, this steady laying pattern often continues in home care as well.

5. 5Lifespan Varies by Strain

   Wild quail typically live 3 to 4 years, while strains bred for industrial or laboratory use tend to have a shorter lifespan of around 1.2 to 1.5 years. Captive individuals have been recorded living as long as 6 years, so lifespan can vary considerably by strain and care.

6. 6Bedding and Cleanliness

   Since quail spend most of their time on the ground, keeping the bedding clean is key to their health. Droppings and spilled food can build up quickly, so regular cleaning should become a routine.

7. 7Preparing Before Arrival

   Before bringing a quail home, prepare the enclosure, food, and water containers in advance. Although considered beginner-friendly, it's best to keep them in a quiet spot and watch over them gently while they settle into their new environment.

Frequently asked questions about Japanese Quail

Q.Are Japanese quail easy to keep for beginners?

A.Japanese quail are generally considered beginner-friendly to keep. They're small and don't need much space, though it helps to know a few things in advance, such as their calls and how they get along in groups.

Q.How long do Japanese quail live?

A.In the wild, they typically live 3 to 4 years. Strains bred for industrial or laboratory use tend to have a shorter lifespan of around 1.2 to 1.5 years, though captive individuals have been recorded living as long as 6 years, so it varies by strain.

Q.How can you tell males and females apart?

A.Males develop a reddish-brown throat and chest, while females keep a paler color in that area. This difference becomes easier to spot once their adult plumage comes in.

Q.Are Japanese quail noisy?

A.Males in particular tend to call frequently, especially during the breeding season. If you live in an apartment or another close-quarters setting, it's worth thinking ahead about whether the calls might be heard by neighbors.

Q.Are there any CITES regulations on Japanese quail?

A.Japanese quail are not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Japanese Quail care

Learn more about Japanese Quail in the encyclopedia

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