Anyone Process Quail?

Southern by choice

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Thinking about doing some quail.

Does anyone know the age of maturity for breeding? Laying?
What about age /weight of processing?


Do you have to let them rest? Brine?

@Ferguson K you did quail... what can you tell me?
 

Ferguson K

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What kind of quail are you planning on raising? Coturnix come in many colors and you get the most bang for your buck. You can battery cage them without stressing them easier than other breeds. They're quick to nature - laying 6/8 weeks depending on the lines. Table ready at 8/9 weeks and produce a lot of meat if fed correctly. Very tender and delicious. We usually skin them, easier, and put about 6 in a gallon bag.
 

Baymule

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Little tiny deviled eggs! Fried eggs, a yolk in every bite! Easter eggs that are never found..... and my favorite-pickled quail eggs!

I raised them many years ago and second what @Ferguson K said. They reproduce super fast, are ready to butcher super fast and are delicious. Easy to clean, I just popped their heads off, pinched the skin over the breast and pulled it off. A little knife work and I was done.
 

frustratedearthmother

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Love, love, love the Coturnix! Only one drawback (and it's not really much of one) you have to incubate the eggs - no broodies with these gals.

Like others have mentioned - easy to raise, easy to sex, easy to butcher - and oh so delicious. They are more reliable layers than most breeds of chickens and yep - the eggs are delicious!

Also - easy to butcher. Lop off the head, skin the bird and insert finger to drag out the innards. I can do 6 in a half hour...and that's taking my time, lol.

I need some more!
 

Baymule

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I raised mine in wire bottomed hutches at between waist and shoulder level so I didn't have to stoop over and it wasn't so deep that I couldn't reach all the way in it.
 
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