Quail chicks and adults need different diets. Quail chicks in the wild survive mostly by eating insects off of native flowers, while adult quail eat both insects and vegetation.
There’s also evidence that a high-protein chick diet helps chicks to lay larger eggs later in life as adults. So do your chicks a favor and give them that yummy protein.
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Turkey Starter or Wild Fowl feed is recommended for chicks, with a protein percentage of at least 26% to support egg laying as adults. Feel free to smash (not blend) feed until small enough for quail chicks to eat.
A high protein diet supports what quail chicks would usually eat in the wild—mostly small bugs living on high grasses and wildflowers.
<aside> 💡 Natural Feed Idea: Maggot Bucket, with grubs finely mashed
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<aside> 💡 Some examples include Modesto Milling Organic Turkey and Game Food (28% protein) or Bluebonnet Feeds Poultry & Game Crumble (30% protein).
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After about 8 weeks of age, your quail can now eat feed with a lower level of protein, estimated at about 20%. They’ll also need oyster shell for egg laying, and grit in order to help their digestive systems break down vegetation. 80% of their diet will be grains, seeds and legumes.
Coturnix have a reputation for being picky and wasteful eaters. In general, they prefer feed to be consistent in shape and size.