EGG Cam - From Chick to Quail!

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In 2003, we were fortunate to be able to hatch Bobwhite Quail on EGG Cam. The eggs were donated by a local producer who allowed us to hatch the birds and then we returned them to his licensed game farm.

Bobwhite Quail (Northern Bobwhite) is a popular game bird. In the wild, quail need to have a mixture of habitat - woodlands, brush, grass, and croplands. Quail are social birds that gather in groups called "coveys." As many as 10 to 30 birds may form a covey in which they forage (look for food) and roost (rest) closely together.

The female quail is called a "hen". The male quail is called a "cock". The baby quail is called a "chick".

Quail are very tiny when they hatch Quail eggs hatch after 23 days of incubation. The chicks are very small and weigh only 1/6 ounce when they hatch - about the size of a bumblebee. After they hatch, quail chicks are immediately able to move around on their own and feed themselves. In the wild, the chicks stay near the adults to keep warm. In just one week of hatching, the quails wings have grown enough that they can fly in short hops or make short flights to get away from predators. By the time the chicks are 15 weeks old, they are nearly full grown and look just like the adults. It is not easy being a quail. Only 20 percent of the baby chicks make it until the next year.

Quail are seed eaters but they will also eat fleshy fruits, bugs, insects, and snails.

Sources:

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission: Learn about the Bobwhite Quail - a native Nebraska Bird.

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission: Hear what a Bobwhite Quail Sounds Like

EGG Cam Resources: - Resources on incubating and raising chickens, ducks and more.

EGG Cam Photos & Movie Clips

Quail chick Photo Credits: V. Jedlicka, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County
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Phone: 402-441-7180 | Web Site: http://lancaster.unl.edu

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