Why Quail Are Perfect for Your First Homestead Livestock

When we first started our homestead, chickens were an obvious choice for our initial livestock, but it wasn’t long before we expanded to include Coturnix quail. Adding quail to the mix turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made at Maxy Brook. These small, hardy birds offer a host of benefits that make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced homesteaders. Here’s why you might want to consider raising quail on your own homestead:

And they are the cutest chicks!

Easy to Raise

Quail are incredibly easy to care for, making them perfect for those new to homesteading or anyone looking for low-maintenance livestock. They require far less space than chickens, and their housing needs are straightforward. A small brooder is all you need to raise them as chicks, and within just six weeks—yes, you read that right—they’re fully grown and ready to start laying eggs. Compare that to chickens, which can take up to six months to mature, and it’s easy to see why quail are a great choice.

We used a plastic tub for their brooder for the first couple weeks

Space Efficiency

One of the standout advantages of raising quail is how little space they need. This makes them ideal for urban or suburban homesteads where space is at a premium. Quail are perfectly content with just 1 square foot of space per bird. In fact, these somewhat skittish birds actually prefer smaller, more secure environments. Unlike chickens, quail aren’t suited to free-ranging—they’d likely take off and never return. Instead, they thrive in enclosed spaces where they can enjoy a dust bath and a few treats.

Double decker quail coop which houses 5 per section

High Egg Productivity

If you’re after a steady supply of eggs, quail won’t disappoint. These prolific layers can produce 1-2 eggs per day, each one a tiny powerhouse of nutrition. Quail eggs are packed with protein, and they boast higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals—like vitamin B12, iron, and phosphorus—compared to chicken eggs. Their rich, creamy texture and unique flavor make them a gourmet delight. Plus, since quail reach egg-laying maturity at just six to eight weeks, you won’t have to wait long to start enjoying your homegrown eggs.

Their eggs are beautiful too

Meat Production

For those looking to become more self-sufficient in sourcing protein, quail are a great introduction to meat production. They’re easy to butcher and process into a delicious meal, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to get started. Quail stop laying eggs in mid-fall, which is when we typically harvest our birds, then we start fresh with a new batch in early spring.

Full sized cortunix quail

Low Maintenance

One of the best things about quail is how low-maintenance they are. These hardy birds are less prone to disease than chickens and produce less waste due to their smaller size. As long as they have regular feed, fresh water, and a clean living environment, quail will thrive. Their resilience and adaptability make them well-suited to a variety of climates and conditions, meaning they’ll do well on most homesteads.

Of course we built our quail coop to match the chicken coop

Conclusion

Raising quail has been a rewarding experience at Maxy Brook, and we highly recommend them for anyone looking to diversify their homestead. With their easy care requirements, high productivity, and space efficiency, quail are a fantastic addition to any backyard or small farm.

First day out of the brooder