Friday, May 25, 2007
Raising Quail, Hobby or Business?
Raising quail is inexpensive, easy, provides very healthy low-fat white meat, and supplies the fertilizer you need for your garden. The moderate start-up costs for raising quail are well worth it. If you are considering going into the business of raising quail or you are already in the business, you have one major objective, to make a profit. For people who want to take their raising quail hobby to the next level of producing and marketing large numbers as a business, there is a huge market for them out there right now. The cost of feed and supplies is minimal considering all the meat and eggs you get for your efforts.
Raising Quail however does require more than just feed and equipment. It also requires a commitment by you, to keep a clean and healthy environment. When raising quail, disease is your biggest enemy. Studies in this area have found that 80% of all quail mortality could have been prevented with proper management.
Beginners should start with the Coturnix quail. The Japanese or Coturnix quail are the fastest growing and reproducing birds. They are also the best specie of quail to raise for meat and eggs. These quail possess a remarkable resistance to disease, start laying at six weeks of age, and can be consumed at four to five weeks of age. Coturnix and many other types of quail and their eggs are marketed the year round by game bird farms all over the world. Maintaining the same number of hours under lights will keep your Coturnix quail laying eggs throughout the year.
Note that Coturnix quail kept outdoors will not lay past autumn so if you want eggs year round, they must be kept indoors. Under the right conditions, each female bird will lay about 300 eggs each year. Quail eggs are also a delicious delicacy served in many professional kitchens. It takes about three Coturnix quail eggs to equal one small chicken egg. Many producers contract a year or two ahead for the sale of their birds or eggs.
When starting any type of business, your goals are to keep overhead as low as possible and get a quick turn around on your investment. Raising the Coturnix quail in my opinion is the best way to accomplish this and start your quail raising business.
Raising quail requires an investment in equipment and time. If you succeed in raising quail what will you do with them?
About the Author:
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To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
The Beginners Guide to Raising Quail
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
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Raising Quail however does require more than just feed and equipment. It also requires a commitment by you, to keep a clean and healthy environment. When raising quail, disease is your biggest enemy. Studies in this area have found that 80% of all quail mortality could have been prevented with proper management.
Beginners should start with the Coturnix quail. The Japanese or Coturnix quail are the fastest growing and reproducing birds. They are also the best specie of quail to raise for meat and eggs. These quail possess a remarkable resistance to disease, start laying at six weeks of age, and can be consumed at four to five weeks of age. Coturnix and many other types of quail and their eggs are marketed the year round by game bird farms all over the world. Maintaining the same number of hours under lights will keep your Coturnix quail laying eggs throughout the year.
Note that Coturnix quail kept outdoors will not lay past autumn so if you want eggs year round, they must be kept indoors. Under the right conditions, each female bird will lay about 300 eggs each year. Quail eggs are also a delicious delicacy served in many professional kitchens. It takes about three Coturnix quail eggs to equal one small chicken egg. Many producers contract a year or two ahead for the sale of their birds or eggs.
When starting any type of business, your goals are to keep overhead as low as possible and get a quick turn around on your investment. Raising the Coturnix quail in my opinion is the best way to accomplish this and start your quail raising business.
Raising quail requires an investment in equipment and time. If you succeed in raising quail what will you do with them?
About the Author:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
The Beginners Guide to Raising Quail
Copyright © Gary Ortlieb
-----------------------------------------------------------------
# posted by Gary Ortlieb @ 9:02 AM 
