When quails reach 5 weeks of age, it's the ideal time to decide whether to keep them for breeding or cull them. If no breeding stock is retained, the remaining birds can be sent for fattening. Additionally, if a female quail has been laying eggs for 1 to 1.5 years and her egg production drops below 30%, it's time to consider eliminating them from the breeding program. To speed up the fattening process, proper housing and feeding practices are essential.
Fattening cages should be multi-tiered, with each layer being 10 to 12 cm high to prevent birds from crowding and trampling each other. Each cage should have an area of 0.3 square meters. The front and back of the cage should have fences placed about 2.5 cm from the edges to allow easy access to feed and water. The sides and top of the cage are made of fiberboard, while the bottom is a 1 cm x 1 cm mesh wire to ensure good ventilation and hygiene.
A calm and quiet environment is crucial during the culling process. The room should be dark and free from disturbances, with temperatures maintained between 18°C and 25°C. This helps reduce stress and ensures the birds remain healthy during the transition.
Male and female quails must be kept separate during the culling phase. Mixing them can lead to aggression and reduced growth. The stocking density should be adjusted accordingly—around 30 to 40 birds per box. Limiting their movement helps conserve energy and reduces feed waste.
To improve the quality of the meat, the diet should be rich in carbohydrates such as corn, wheat bran, and rice, making up 75% to 80% of the feed. Protein content should be reduced to around 18%, and 0.5% salt should be added to encourage water intake. A small amount of green feed is also beneficial. Feed should be provided 4 to 6 times daily, ensuring constant access to clean water and fresh feed.
The optimal fattening period for market-ready quails typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Birds should weigh between 120 to 140 grams, feel full when held, and have fluffed-up feathers at the wing bases. Their skin should appear white, and when it turns slightly yellow, they are ready for sale. Delaying the slaughter increases feed costs and reduces profitability. Proper timing ensures the best balance between weight gain and feed efficiency.
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