You’re ready to bring quail home, but with so many options it can feel overwhelming. Quail for sale include day-old chicks, hatching eggs, pullets, and adult birds—all with their own perks. In this guide you’ll learn how to pick the right type, compare trusted sellers, factor in costs, choose a breed, and set up your space so your new flock thrives.
By the end you’ll have a clear action plan to find quail for sale near you and get your setup humming.
Choose Your Quail Type
Packing your order with exactly what you need keeps costs down and care simple. Here are the main options:
Day-Old Chicks
If you’re after a quick start, day-old chicks for sale hatch ready to grow. They cost less up front than adults, and you can raise a uniform flock. Some sellers offer straight-run or sexed pullets—sexed pullets mean only females arrive, which saves you from culling males later.
Hatching Eggs
Ordering hatching eggs for sale lets you learn to candling (checking embryo development) and incubation. A pack of two dozen from Nickalo Farm runs $5, and your first order may include a free pair of egg scissors if in stock (Nickalo Farm).
Starter Pullets
Pullets (young females around 12–16 weeks old) start laying eggs sooner than chicks. They’re a bridge between hatching eggs and adults. Look for started pullets for sale when you want egg production within weeks.
Adult Quail
Mature quail can lay 300+ eggs per year and show immediate productivity. The Quail Store ships adults at 5+ weeks old, with a 3-bird minimum and max 15 per container (The Quail Store). Adults cost more but they cut out rearing time.
Compare Local Sellers
Finding a reputable source keeps your birds healthy and happy. Here’s a quick look at top quail suppliers:
| Seller | Offerings | Starting Price | Min Order | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickalo Farm | Quail eggs (2 doz) | $5 | 1 pack | Free egg scissors on first in-stock order |
| The Quail Store | Day-old to adults, eggs | $8 (adults) | 3 birds | 1–6 doz hatching or eating eggs |
| Stromberg’s Chickens | Multiple quail species | Varies by breed | 1 chick | Fast-maturing Coturnix lay at 6 weeks |
When you browse, check shipping windows and health guarantees. Do they vaccinate chicks? Are shipping fees clear? These details matter for stress-free arrivals.
Calculate Your Costs
Feed, bedding, housing, and time add up quickly if you don’t plan ahead. Here’s how to budget:
- Feed: Coturnix quail eat about 20–25 g per day, making feed your biggest expense (Forget Me Not Quail Farm).
- Bedding & Housing: DIY pens cut costs, but factor in bedding changes and materials.
- Labor & Time: Cleaning, feeding, and monitoring embryos all demand hours—price in your time, not just feed.
- Equipment: Incubators, brooders, feeders, waterers, and heating lights carry upfront costs.
| Cost Category | Example Estimate | Tips to Reduce Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Feed (per quail/year) | $12–$15 | Buy in bulk or co-op orders |
| Bedding (monthly) | $5–$10 | Use wood chips or straw |
| Equipment | $100–$300 | DIY pens, solar-powered lighting |
| Labor (per hour) | Variable | Batch tasks, automate where possible |
Plug in your local feed prices and equipment deals to get a realistic total. Underestimate labor at your own risk—time is money.
Select Your Breed
Not all quail lay the same eggs or taste the same. Here are common options:
- Coturnix (Japanese): Fast growers, start laying at six weeks, brown or ivory eggs.
- Button Quail: Tiny birds, ideal for classroom projects or limited space.
- Tennessee Red: Meat birds with rich flavor, larger size.
- Northern Bobwhite: Game birds, classic quail hunting flavor.
- Specialty Lines: Blue Celadon or chocolate-toned eggs, for a colorful egg basket (The Quail Store).
Think about your goals: egg production, meat yield, or hobby breeding. If you want visually striking eggs, opt for a colored egg layer. Craving variety? Mix two or three breeds and compare your flocks.
Prepare Your Setup
Getting everything in place before your birds arrive makes care a breeze.
Housing Needs
- Secure pen or hutch with predator-proof wire and good ventilation.
- Space guide: at least 1 sq ft per adult quail.
- Raised flooring helps droppings fall through and reduce disease.
Brooder Supplies
- Check your chick brooder supplies early—heat lamp or plate, bedding, and thermometer.
- Keep temperatures at about 95°F in week one, lowering by 5°F each week.
Feeders And Waterers
- Choose chicken feeders and waterers designed for quail to prevent drowning and chaining.
- Poultry Universal Water Base fits on bottles or jars (The Quail Store).
Incubation Gear
- If you hatch your own, browse incubators and hatching accessories.
- Turn eggs 3–5 times daily until day 17, then lock down for hatching.
Order Tips And Timeline
Ready to click “buy”? Follow these pointers:
- Plan Your Delivery Window
Order so chicks or eggs arrive early in the week, giving you weekdays to troubleshoot any issues. - Check Health Policies
Does the seller guarantee live arrival? Are chicks vaccinated? - Sync Supplies
Confirm feeders, brooders, and bedding are on-site at least two days before arrival. - Factor In Minimum Orders
Some hatcheries enforce a 3-bird minimum or dozen-egg packs. Match your flock size to their policy. - Track Your Flight
Use a tracking number and be ready at the door when your package arrives—quail don’t wait.
A smooth order process sets the tone for a thriving flock.
Key Takeaways
- Decide whether you want day-old chicks, hatching eggs, pullets, or adults.
- Compare sellers by price, min order, and health guarantees.
- Budget for feed, bedding, equipment, and your own time.
- Pick a breed that matches your egg color or meat goals.
- Stock your brooder, feeders, waterers, and incubator before birds arrive.
Now you’ve got the know-how to find quail for sale near you. Choose one thing to tackle today—maybe compare local hatcheries or sketch out your pen—and you’ll be on your way to a lively quail flock in no time. Let us know your favorite breed in the comments below!