Japanese quail: breed description and characteristics, breeding and care

Japanese quails stand out from other breeds with their increased productivity. This bird is unpretentious in care and provides nutritious, but dietary meat. In addition, Japanese quail is characterized by strong immunity to common diseases. However, despite these features, for the successful breeding of this bird, a number of conditions must be met.

History

The Japanese were able to domesticate the quail as early as the 11th century. This bird became the progenitor of other birds that settled in farms around the world. Despite such a long history of existence, Japanese quail appeared among Soviet breeders only in the second half of the last century.And since then, the bird has been popular with domestic breeders.

Description and characteristics of Japanese quail

Japanese (or mute) quail has the following features:

• weight male and female - 120 and 140 grams respectively;
• maximum weight is 200 grams;
• life expectancy does not exceed 2.5 years;
• variegated body color - brown feathers with white and black patches;
• massive beak curved down;
• a characteristic white stripe runs along the head and brow ridges;
• short build with close paws.

Outwardly, females differ from males in that the latter have a cloacal gland, which, when pressed, releases a foamy liquid.In addition, the former stand out due to the light beak. Females reach sexual maturity before males. This breed is bred mainly for eggs, as birds are characterized by increased productivity.

The first laying in females occurs 45 days after birth. As they grow older, the number and quality of eggs increases. Maximum productivity is observed after nine months and for 1.5 years. To get offspring, it is enough to take one male for six females. Fertility in this breed reaches 90%.

Japanese quail chicks are growing fast. 7 days after birth, the weight of the offspring increases by 4 times. And a month later, the body weight of females reaches 90 grams.

Pros and cons

Pros and consstrong immunity;low requirements for conditions of detention;rapid growth of chicks and early maturation of females;high productivity;short incubation period (18 days);the nutritional value.

Japanese quail are sensitive to temperature changes. Also, this bird does not tolerate stressful conditions.

Maintenance and Care

Farmers use three options for keeping quails:

1. Outdoor. This option is suitable if one farm contains a large number of birds. With floor maintenance, a separate place is allocated for quails with a fence around the perimeter and a net at the top. Small sawdust, peat or hay are used as bedding, which must be poured no more than six centimeters thick.
2. In the enclosures. This option is less preferable, since in such conditions the productivity of females decreases. The bird must not be separated from each other for a long time.
3. In cages. This method of content is considered optimal.

Feeders and drinkers for quails should be placed in close proximity to the place of residence. Grooved designs are recommended for this breed.

When breeding Japanese quail, the following conditions must be observed:

1. Duration of daylight should be 16-18 hours. Therefore, it is necessary to supply electricity to the poultry house and install appropriate lamps.
2. Humidity level is 50-70%. At lower rates, the bird will be tormented by constant thirst.
3. Room temperature - from 18 to 22 degrees (but not less than 15 degrees). Other indicators negatively affect both the condition and productivity of the bird.

When choosing the size of an aviary or cage, you need to focus on the number of quails. On average, for 15 individuals, a space of 50 centimeters long and 45 centimeters wide is allotted. The height of the cage or pen must be more than 20 centimeters.

Feeding the breed

It is recommended to feed quails at the same time three times a day. Every day, an adult bird eats up to 30 grams of food. The nature of the diet depends on the age and current stage of development of the quail. Adults are recommended to give:

• boiled liver;
• wheat;
• corn;
• boiled fish;
• barley grits;
• fresh grass;
• snails, worms and other live food.

To improve digestion, birds need access to small stones. Drinking bowls with clean water should also be located next to the pens. Chicks, due to rapid growth, are fed differently. Young animals on the first day of life are given a 5% glucose solution, after which:

• boiled egg;
• finely chopped greens;
• meal worms;
• cottage cheese with grated rye breadcrumbs;
• tops of beets and carrots;
• dandelions.

From the third day of life and up to a month, feed mixtures containing soybean meal, corn, wheat and fishmeal are introduced into the diet. During the egg-laying period, it is recommended to give food with a large amount of crushed chalk. As vitamin supplements, a mixture of corn, sunflower and soybean meals, yeast, meat and bone meal, corn, wheat and fish is used. During this period, increase the daily portion to 33 grams.

If quails are bred for meat, then the basis of the diet should be meal (up to 50%), as well as corn and wheat.

Bird Breeding

For breeding quails, it is recommended to keep one male and three females in one cage. The process proceeds without outside participation. But for better fertilization, each female should be planted with a male for 15 minutes every 2 hours.

Egg incubation

Eggs are recommended to be laid for incubation 5 days after laying. At later dates, the likelihood of offspring decreases. Also, do not store eggs in the refrigerator. To increase the chances of hatching, after laying, it is necessary to increase the humidity in the house. Before laying in the incubator, the eggs should be immersed in water. Those that drown are suitable for breeding. Eggs before laying should be treated with formaldehyde vapor or under ultraviolet light.

Incubation is carried out at a temperature of 37.4 degrees and humidity of 80-90%. Eggs need to be turned 4 times a day. At the same time, if the humidity level is reduced, the chicks will hatch faster (on the 12th day). But doing so is not recommended. This is explained by the fact that the chicks that hatched before the due date do not have time to gain enough nutrients, as a result of which they appear underdeveloped and weak.

Chick rearing

Quail chicks on the first day after hatching are able to eat regular food. Quail during this period are active. The rules for feeding young Japanese breeds are described above. It should be noted here that as the birds mature, they need to be separated into different cages of females and males in order to prevent uncontrolled crossing.

Disease prevention

In order to prevent diseases, chicks should be given:

• a solution of a liter of water, 0.5 milliliters of vitamin C and glucose - on the first day;
• "Enroflaction" - from the second day to the seventh;
• complex of vitamins - from the 10th to the 15th day.

Vaccination against worms is carried out during this period. Regular cleaning of the house, feeders and drinkers is also recommended.

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