How Often Do Quails Lay Eggs? A Comprehensive Guide
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Quail egg production is an interesting aspect of raising these small gamebirds. Quails, also known as Coturnix, are prolific layers that can provide a steady supply of delicious, nutritious eggs when properly cared for. Understanding the quail egg laying cycle and what affects it is important for maximizing productivity.
Quail Egg Laying Cycle
The egg laying cycle for healthy, well-cared for quails is quite impressive. Here’s what to expect:
- Quails reach sexual maturity and begin laying eggs between 6-8 weeks of age.
- Under ideal conditions, quails lay about 300 eggs per year.
- Quails lay eggs nearly every day, putting their yearly egg production at 4-5 times higher than chickens.
- Peak production occurs earlier in quails than chickens – around 12 weeks of age.
- An average quail lays 5-7 eggs per week. Though 10 eggs per week is possible under excellent conditions.
- Daily egg production averages 1 egg per day but can be higher.
- A hen will lay clutches or groups of eggs over several days followed by a pause of 1-2 days.
- This cycle allows the oviduct to replenish before the next round of ovulation and laying.
Let’s look closer at what to expect from quail egg production on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
How Many Eggs Does a Quail Lay Per Day?
While chickens lay just 1 egg per day, quails are often much more productive on a daily basis.
- In ideal conditions, quails lay 300-350 eggs per year.
- With 1 quail egg per day, a hen would lay 365 eggs.
- So the average yearly total indicates most quails lay closer to 1 egg per day.
Some quails may lay 2 eggs on occasion or even skip a day completely. But across a large flock, daily egg production averages out to 1 per hen.
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How Many Eggs Does a Quail Lay Per Week?
Over the course of a week, egg production averages:
- 5-7 eggs per quail is typical
- In excellent conditions, up to 10 eggs per week is possible
This weekly rate stems from the quail’s egg laying cycle. A hen generally lays a “clutch” of eggs over 2-3 days followed by a 1-2 day pause.
So you may get 2 eggs one day, 3 eggs the next, 1 egg the following day, and so on. It averages out to about 1 egg per day and 5-7 eggs per week at peak production.
How Many Eggs Does a Quail Lay Per Month?
Based on the weekly figures above, monthly quail egg production totals:
- 22-30 eggs per month on average
- 40-50 eggs per month in ideal conditions
Both of these monthly range estimates are substantially higher than what backyard chickens lay. Excellent nutrition and care will push quail egg counts toward the upper end of this range.
How Many Eggs Does a Quail Lay Per Year?
The impressive productivity of quails really shows in their potential yearly egg output:
- 300 eggs per year is average under good conditions
- Some flocks may produce 250-275 eggs annually
- Well-managed flocks with excellent care can achieve 325-350 eggs per year
No matter if your quails produce 250 eggs or 350 eggs annually, that dwarfs the paltry 200 or so eggs a backyard chicken lays per year.
If you’re looking for prolific egg production from a small bird, quails are hard to beat!
What Factors Affect Quail Egg Production?
Many elements influence the stellar egg laying abilities of quails. Here are the key factors that impact quail egg output:
Breed
Some quail breeds are genetically better layers than others. Common productive breeds include:
- Cortunix Quail
- Japanese or Manchurian Golden
- Tuxedo
- English White
Age
- Quails start laying eggs between 6-8 weeks of age.
- Peak production occurs around 12 weeks of age
- After 12 months, egg laying declines as the quails age
Diet
Excellent nutrition is vital for optimum egg production including:
- High-quality quail feed with 16-22% protein
- Available calcium from oyster shell
- Fresh water
Supplements
- Extra calcium, vitamins and minerals support egg laying
Lighting
- 14-16 hours of daylight stimulates laying
- Access to natural light or artificial lighting
Space
- Overcrowding stresses quails and reduces laying
Predators
- Exposure to frequent predation limits laying
- A safe, secure housing environment supports prolific egg production
Temperature & Humidity
- The proper temperature range is 65-75°F
- Ideal humidity is 50-60%
- Extremes of hot, cold, wet or dry conditions impair laying
Egg Collecting
- Frequent egg collection keeps eggs cleaner with lower chances of breakage
- Less eggs piling up in nests with increased egg eating
With good breeds, excellent care and an ideal environment, you can maximize the number of eggs your quails give you.
How Long Do Quails Lay Eggs?
On average, female quails remain productive layers for about 12-18 months. Egg laying gradually tapers off as birds age. To maintain high flock production, quails are generally replaced annually.
Here’s a look at the quail laying lifespan:
- Starts around 6-8 weeks old
- Hits peak production at 12 weeks old
- Remains high for the next 6-12 months
- Slowly declines after 12 months old
- May continue laying sporadically up to 18-24 months old
With excellent care, some birds maintain decent production past 12 months. But egg counts definitely wane in the second year as quails age.
Do All Female Quails Lay Eggs?
Out of a flock of female quails, most should lay eggs consistently. However, a small percentage may never lay or will be poor layers for various reasons:
- Infertility or other reproductive issues
- Stress inhibiting laying
- Insufficient nutrition limiting egg production
- Illness or disease impairing laying
- Physical problems like being egg bound
- Advanced age decreasing laying
So while the vast majority of hens lay prolifically, a few may fail to produce well for health or genetic reasons. Culling non-layers can help maximize flock egg numbers.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to frequently filling your egg basket, quails are egg laying superstars. From 300-350 eggs annually to nearly an egg a day, quails are the most efficient layers of all backyard poultry. Give your flock the best possible care, and enjoy their amazing productivity. With proper management, you’ll never run short of delicious, nutritious quail eggs!
Welcome. I’m Adreena Shanum, the proud owner of this website, and I am incredibly passionate about animals, especially poultry. I founded adreenapets.com as a labor of love, stemming from my desire to share my knowledge and experiences with poultry enthusiasts worldwide.
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