Coturnix Quail are flock birds—meaning they enjoy snuggling each other, and being around owners who have properly socialized and hand-reared them.
They are intelligent (can be clicker trained), and weigh just a few oz more than budgies. They also come in pretty plumage colors, and eat pests!
Roosters can be kept in “bachelor flocks” as long as no hens are around, and hens also like lots of company. They are cute little balls of feathers, and if bred and reared correctly, can have really lovely personalities.
Since quail eggs are still considered a novelty or a luxury, their eggs can still be sold to restaurants and in farmers markets at a premium price. Hens do not need roosters to lay eggs, but they’re laying ability drops off after year one.
As many American families live in an urban setting, these little quail are perfect for people who want farm-fresh eggs everyday, but who live in urban areas. HOA’s that have rules against chickens often do not have rules against owning quail!