When quail reach 5 weeks of age, it's time to decide whether to keep them for breeding or cull them. If there are no eggs being produced, they can be removed from the breeding program and 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 also time to consider culling. To speed up the fattening process, proper housing and feeding strategies are essential.
Fattening cages should be multi-tiered with each layer approximately 10–12 cm in height to prevent birds from crowding and pressing against one another. Each cage should have an area of 0.3 square meters. There should be fences placed about 2.5 cm from the front and back of the cage, allowing the quail to access feed and water comfortably. The sides and top of the cage should be made of fiberboard, while the bottom should be a 1 cm x 1 cm mesh wire to allow for waste to drop through.
A calm and quiet environment is crucial during the culling process. It’s best to perform this in a dark, quiet room with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. Any disturbances should be avoided to reduce stress on the birds.
Male and female quail must be kept separate during the fattening period to avoid mixing. The stocking density should be moderate—around 30 to 40 birds per box. Limiting their movement helps conserve energy and reduces feed consumption.
To improve the quality of the meat, the diet should be high in carbohydrates. Corn, wheat bran, and rice should make up 75–80% of the feed. Protein content should be reduced to around 18%, and 0.5% salt can be added to encourage drinking. Green feed should be provided in moderation. Feed should be offered 4–6 times daily, ensuring clean water is always available.
The ideal fattening period for market-ready quail is usually 2–3 weeks. Birds should weigh between 120–140 grams, feel full when held, and have fluffed feathers at the base of their wings. Their skin should appear white, and when it turns slightly yellow, they are ready for sale. Delaying the sale will only increase feed costs without improving meat quality.
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